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SoftKinetic and TabletKiosk collaborate on 3D interface for tablets
Perhaps in light of Intel's goal of integrating 3D cameras into its devices by the end of 2014, SoftKinetic has partnered with TabletKiosk to bring what it calls the first-ever 3D interface to enterprise tablets. That chunky slab you see above is based on the Sahara Slate PC i500, but with the SoftKinetic DepthSense 3D camera set inside its lower bezel. As seen in our earlier hands-on with 3D-integrated laptops, the little cam can recognize faces and gestures from as close as 15 centimeters away thanks to a Time-of-Flight (ToF) depth sensor, so there's no need for lots of room. Of course, this is just a prototype, and we'll likely only see this in business implementations in the near future. That's a good thing, though, as it looks like it belongs more in a shopping mall than on your kitchen counter. For more on the device, have a peek at the press release after the break.
TabletKiosk rises from the ashes, pops Atom CPUs into hideous new UMPC / tablet line
Sheesh -- whatever happened to TabletKiosk, anyway? Aside from one random slate PC tailored for the medical industry, we haven't seen anything meaningful from these guys since 2008. And yes, that includes the present day. Oh sure, the company's newest trifecta of machines -- which includes the 7-inch eo a7330D, 7-inch eo TufTab a7230XD and 12.1-inch Sahara NetSlate a230T -- may use the incredibly mighty Atom CPU now, but that doesn't change the fact that they're all uglier than sin itself. In fairness, all three are designed more for the enterprise market than for fashion conscious consumers, but still, we're struggling to see any design improvements here compared to the wares this outfit was pushing way back in 2007. If you truly believe that beauty's on the inside, hit the read link for all the dirt.[Via HotHardware]
TabletKiosk intros MediSlate MCA i1040XT for healthcare professionals
We've already seen a few devices based on Intel's Mobile Clinical Assistant platform, but TabletKiosk looks to be raising the bar slightly with its new MediSlate MCA i1040XT which, among other things, is apparently the only such device with a sunlight-readable touchscreen. This being TabletKiosk, the device is also ruggedized and rated for drops of up to four feet, and it's fully sealed to resist spills and hold up to hospital disinfectants. Otherwise, you can expect a Core 2 Solo ULV processor, 2GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, two hot-swappable battery bays to keep things running all day, an optional 3G data card, and a whole slew of built-in bonuses, including a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a fingerprint reader, and a 2 megapixel webcam. What's more, while TabletKiosk is obviously targeting medical professionals, it seems like it's also more than happy to sell one to anyone else interested, as the tablet's now up for order on its website for $2,795.[Via Medgadget]
TabletKiosk eo i7300 gets sneak peeked
According to the folks over at TabletPC2, the image above is a sneak peek of the forthcoming TabletKiosk eo i7300, which will purportedly rock a 7-inch display (1,024 x 600 resolution), a "fully ruggedized" chassis and "a number of enhancements" to the Sahara Slate PC and eo v7110. Reportedly, the base unit will include an Intel Menlow processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 60GB hard drive, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, a biometric fingerprint reader and a 4-cell battery to boot. For a look at the possible configurations along with a few more pics, go on and give the read link a visit.[Via TabletPCTalk]
How to add an internal USB hub to a UMPC
If you've been hankering for a way to void your UMPC warranty, or just want to add a touch more utility while getting down and dirty with a soldering iron, this here hack may be the one that fits the bill. Facing the daunting task of shoving an internal USB hub into the already cramped confines of a TabletKiosk eo, thoughtfix managed to not only burn his fingers, add a few ventilation holes, and sharpen those wiring skills, but he also stuffed a three-port USB hub within his UMPC. Apparently, the internal WiFi / Bluetooth module's USB interface can be tapped into to provide a way for a hub to be installed, and while two of the three ports remain open, a 2GB Sony Micro Vault Tiny was plugged into one connector for ReadyBoost usage. 'Course, the actual process of rigging this up is far too complicated for this space, but if you're feelin' froggy, jump on down and give the read link a bit of your time.[Via Hack-A-Day]
TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC reviewed, benchmarked
Just over a fortnight after the TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC began shipping out to interested buyers, the niche machine has now been reviewed and benchmarked for those still mulling a purchase. The folks over at TabletPCReview noted that this machine was a breeze to tote around, had a solid feel, sported a satisfactory (though not awe-inspiring) display, and performed sufficiently enough for those not looking to actually replace their (likely more robust) laptop. Additionally, the pen functionality was highly praised as was the respectable array of ports, but the amount of noise and heat that this bad boy emitted was a slight turn-off. Still, the Sahara i440D benchmarked well against similar alternatives, and while we wouldn't recommend 3D gaming or motion picture rendering on it, it seems like a solid choice for those in the market. Check out a videoed extension of the review after the jump.
TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC now shipping
Hopefully you haven't forgotten all about TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC, because the time has finally come to lay down your hard-earned coin and snag one for yourself. Dubbed the first slate tablet PC with "dual pen and touchscreen input," the i440D can be ordered with Windows XP or Vista, and features a wide array of ports including PCMCIA, eSATA, USB 2.0, and FireWire. Additionally, you'll find a biometric fingerprint reader, an Intel Core Duo LV processor, and options for up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM and a 160GB SATA hard drive. The base configuration starts at $2,295, and just in case it somehow escaped you earlier, it is indeed shipping right away.
PLX Technology shows off USB Duet-enabled UMPCs
PLX Technology is taking advantage of this week's Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (otherwise known as WinHEC) to talk up its proprietary USB Duet technology, with TabletKiosk also helping out in showing off some of the UMPC-centric possibilities. As shown above, one potential application is a UMPC connected to an Xbox 360, with USB Duet working its magic to allow the UMPC to simply show up as a standard USB storage device. A UMPC could also be connected to a PC (though apparently not a Mac), sharing not only storage, but the PC's monitor, keyboard, and mouse as well. From the looks of it, TabletKiosk's eo TufTab v7112XT will be the first USB Duet-equipped UMPC although, interestingly, there was no mention of that particular feature when the device was first announced.[Via Tablet PC Talk]
TabletKiosk announces eo and Sahara TufTab portables
TabletKiosk has two new portables, the eo TufTab v7112XT, and Sahara TufTab i310XT. From the UMPC side you can expect the eo TufTab v7112XT (above) to have a 1.2GHz VIA CPU, 1GB of RAM, 7-inch LED backlit display, 40GB drive, and camera in a 2 pound, 1.14-inch thick unit. The Sahara TufTab i310XT has a 1GHz Celeron M, 512MB of RAM, 60GB drive, and 12.8-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen in a 1.5-inch thick 3.5 pound unit. Both share 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, SDIO and PC card slots, fingerprint reader, and the usual ports, and should ship in mid April.[Via MobilitySite]
TabletKiosk's Sahara i400 series does it up slate style once again
TabletKiosk sure does love its slate PCs, and we're especially liking this new Sahara i440D. It's not exactly for the power users in the house, with an Intel Celeron M ULV 423 processor at the helm, but it makes up for that with its diminutive 0.98-inch thickness and 3.3 pound carrying weight. There's also room for up to 4GB of DDR2 SDRAM, so while your apps might be a bit on the sluggish side, at least you can run lots of them. Up front there's a 12.1-inch XGA screen with a 179 degree viewing angle, but where the i440D really shines is with its connectivity, including Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, two USB 2.0 ports, firewire, eSATA, gigabit Ethernet, a PCMCIA slot and cradle connector. There's also a fingerprint reader and room for a 6-cell battery. No optical drive or keyboard, of course, but the fancy screen can switch between being a pressure-sensitive digitizer and a resistive touch screen, so your fingers can at least keep busy leaving prints all over display. Configurations start at $1,795 for the i412T with 512MB of RAM, a 60GB HDD and Windows XP Professional and ramp up to the $2,295 i440D with 1GB of RAM, an 80GB HDD and Vista Business. Pre-loaded Linux is also an option. TabletKiosk should start shipping these in March.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
TabletKiosk announces eo i7209 and i7210 UMPCs
Looks like the eo V7110 isn't the only UMPC TabletKiosk has in its vault; their new eo i7209 and i7210 are rebadges of the Founder device with marginally better specs than the v7110 before them, but also heftier prices to boot. The i7210 features a 1GHz ULV Pentium M, 1GB DDR2 RAM, and a 60GB drive, while the i7209 features a piddling 900MHZ ULV Celeron M, 512MB DDR2 RAM, and 30GB drive; both feature Intel 915GMS embedded graphics, a 1.3 megapixel camera, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 1.2, USB 2.0, a 4-in-1 card reader, and a 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen display in a 8.8 x 5.6 x 1-inch, 1.83 pound slate. Certainly a step up from the VIA C7-based eo offered at $900, but you'll also have to pay for those specs at either $1,100 or $1,400 when these two loosed at the end of August Weigh your options wisely, UMPC-goers, you know how we feel about prices this steep for devices of this ilk.[Via GottaBeMobile, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
TabletKiosk eo V7110 UMPC reviewed
If those unboxing pics weren't enough for ya, we've now got a review of TabletKiosk's eo V7110 UMPC with plenty more pics for your perusal, courtesy of TabletPC2.com. For the most part, they liked what they found, especially the unit's great screen, light weight, and well-designed button layout. But they also found that the main criticism of most UMPCs also applies here, namely, the lackluster battery life. In always-on mode, the V7110 conked out after just an hour and thirty-nine minutes -- improving slightly to just over two hours in normal use -- making the optional extended battery pack pretty much essential. Or you could, you know, wait 'till the UMPC manufacturers get their acts together -- Vistagami, anyone?[Via UMPC Buzz]
TabletKiosk recalls eo UMPCs
Ouch -- first the issues with the fans grinding against the chassis on the eo kept TabletKiosk's UMPC out of the hands of consumers until just recently, but now those early adopters who finally have their eo v7110 are being asked to part with theirs in a voluntary recall due to a "battery life that did not perform as advertised." Battery life not as long as advertised in a UMPC? Welcome to the club, TabletKiosk. (We kid, we kid!) At least peeps won't be without their machines more than 72 hours (or so TK claims), and for their trouble they're offering 25% off "any single eo accessory." Well, gee, thanks. But hey, good on TabletKiosk for nipping this in the bud early instead of pretending the problem didn't exist until consumers either shut up or stopped buying.
TabletKiosk eo UMPC delayed until June-ish
If you were one of those early-adopter types who pre-ordered your TabletKiosk eo V7110 UMPC, then you've probably already received the bad news. After selling-out their "entire initial production" stock (is that 10 or 10,000 units?), TabletKiosk is officially delaying what would have been the first UMPC to market with "most orders fulfilled by the beginning of June." It seems those first eos suffered a problem whereby the system fan was striking the unit's back panel which now must undergo a "slight redesign." We can only assume this affects shipments of the SmartCaddie in Japan and the It's UMPC version we've seen floating about France as well. Alas they won't be the first, but at least TabletKiosk will have the distinction of being the cheapest UMPC on the market come June.[Via cNet News]
Intel behind high UMPC costs?
Wondering who to blame for high-priced UMPCs? According to "market sources" out of Taiwan, it's Intel -- and Asian manufacturers in the company's thrall. The story goes something like this: Microsoft really, really wanted the UMPC to be priced at around $700. And the company was all set to partner with VIA, which could have delivered the goods using its C7-M processor. However, manufacturers like Samsung and Asustek demurred, insisting that Intel, with its good name and R&D might, was the only way to go. That bumped pricing up to the $1,200 range, and soured the whole UMPC launch. Well, maybe. If that's the case, we still have to wonder why the VIA-powered TabletKiosk eo is going for $900. And we can't help but point out that both Samsung and Asustek have had no trouble spurning Intel before, pumping out AMD-powered computers when it suited them. Regardless, VIA may have the last laugh. Samsung is already planning a $700, VIA-powered UMPC for later this year, and if other companies follow, pricing for the mini-tablets may actually come down across the board. Whether that will goose demand enough to make this a solid product category is, of course, another story.[Via TG Daily]
Engadget Podcast 074 - 04.04.06
We pumped out a quick podcast for you while we're out at CTIA -- so if you're trying to steer clear of all the cellphone news that's about to hit, you'll be cool with what we've got going on in the show this week. We're taking on Movielink's and CinemaNow's big online distribution announcement from Monday, initial UMPC pricing, Intel's community PC, the South Korean robot invasion, and, of course, Naomi Campbell -- back on Engadget for once again bludgeoning an assistant with a cellphone. We'll also do our usual call-ins and occasional on-air gadget review; up this week is the Moto Q. Care to see how Verizon's long delayed QWERTY handheld stands up to the Engadget test? Better listen up. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the Engadget Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [AAC] Download the show (enhanced AAC). [OGG] Download the show (OGG). [Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley! Hosts Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer Randall Bennett Music J J J - 'Suits' in Japan Format 52:41, 24.1 MB, MP3 Program 00:19 - Seven major studios line up to sell movies online 06:11 - TabletKiosk And Samsung reveal UMPC pricing 11:54 - Intel proposes "Community PC" for rural India 18:44 - South Korea wants 100% robot market penetration by 2020 22:01 - Naomi Campbell back in court for throwing another phone at assistant 24:01 - Hands on with Motorola Q 29:34 - Listener Voicemail 47:15 - CTIA and the week ahead LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
SmartCaddie gets pricing, send off from Microsoft brass
Sure, the PBJ SmartCaddie may be nothing more than the Japanese version of the TabletKiosk eo (or is it the other way around?), but its official launch this week was reason enough for Microsoft to fly Bill Mitchell, father of the "ultramobile lifestyle PC" concept, out to Japan for the event. To drive the point home, Mitchell emphasized that the Japanese market is crucial to the success of the UMPC platform. Microsoft also showed off some homegrown apps for the Japanese market, including one designed to teach schoolchildren kanji, which will be tested this month with a group of third graders. As for the SmartCaddie itself, specs are in line with what we've already seen for the TabletKiosk, including a Via C7-M ULV at 1 GHz, 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive and a thoroughly unimpressive battery life of 2.5 hours. The Japanese price will be ¥99,800 or about $848, putting it roughly in line with the TabletKiosk's $900 US price. Based on this and other pricing information we've seen, it seems safe to say that we're not going to see a first-gen UMPC for under $800, and that some will hit the market for over a grand, making Mitchell's dream of a $500 box something that will have to wait for future versions -- or Overstock.com if the platform doesn't make it past 1.0.