Although we'd been told that the hot Asus U2E ultraportable was delayed so the company could launch several products at once, it looks like the crew at PC Perspective managed to get their hands on one and do the requisite unboxing. No word on how the lil' scamp runs with that ULV Core Duo, but it looks just as slick as ever, and we're digging that satchel case it comes with -- check it all out at the read link.

[Thanks, Ryan]

We'd like to say we're a little more surprised by some news from Asus today concerning a handful of new products they've got coming to American shores, but from the looks of things we've seen almost all of them. First up -- just as hoped for -- the company is bringing the Nova P22 desktop our way, a Core 2 Duo-based number which should please the style conscious without breaking the bank (at its $799 price tag). Also headed this way is the $399 R700 GPS navigator that we saw for Europe recently, a 4.3-inch touchscreen-based nav unit with a petite 1.3-cm-thick (er, thin) footprint, and a bunch of media playin', Bluetoothin' functions that will make you weak in the knees. Also announced for the US is the U2 laptop (here known as the U2E), a Core Duo ULV-based computer, coupled with a 32GB SSD -- which cuts down on the energy-sucking without sacrificing performance (or so they say). There was one new product in the PR that we haven't seen: the 24-inch widescreen MK241, which features HDMI support, a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, though no word on price or release date. Check the read links for a slightly more detailed look.

[Via jkkmobile]

Read - ASUS Dazzles Las Vegas with Exciting New Products
Read - The New ASUS U2E with 32GB Solid State Drive Integrates Luxury and Technology

We're not sure why Asus damned its hot new laptop by announcing it prior to CES (unlike its predecessor, the U1) -- and on a Saturday, no less -- but you can't question the quality: Core Duo ULV or Centrino, 802.11a/b/g, Vista (from Basic to Ultimate), 11.1-inch 1366 x 768 LED-backlit display, 32GB SSD option, up to 4GB RAM in a 2.75 pound 1.1-inch thick footprint. We'll spare you the Bono ref or jokes about the lack of Edge data.

[Thanks, Jimmy]

AppleInsider totally called it last time with the Oprah-launched (PRODUCT) RED iPod nano, so we're inclined to believe that they may have the inside line on Bono's latest attempt to cozy up with the Jobsian Empire, in the form of a signature-red shuffle refresh purportedly being announced at the upcoming "Beat Goes On" event. For those of you tracking these sort of things, this (PRODUCT) RED shuffle claim follows the nano Phatty, iPod Touch, Beatles on iTunes, and portable Coverflow rumors on the list of possible announcements to be made on September 5th at the Moscone Center -- among many others that we probably haven't picked up on. Okay, back to your regular programming, but don't get too comfy, because the next 'inside scoop' could be just minutes away...

[Image courtesy of AppleInsider, thanks jungzandvliet]

No, we're not talking Apples and Apples here, nor does this have anything to do with Bono (nor the Edge, actually); rather, Belkin and Microsoft have finally made nice regarding Belkin's consistent use of Microsoft's "U2 technology," which allows keyboard and mice to detect what type of connection (USB or PS/2) is needed. While other accessory makers, namely Targus and Fellowes, have been paying Gates and Co. royalties for years to borrow said technology, Belkin has been resisting the pressure "for more than two years." Eventually the misalignment between companies came to blows, creating a lawsuit that suggested Belkin pay fees for using the detection technology in its third-party peripherals. The decision was settled when Belkin finally agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to the Redmond giant to continue using its patented U2 goodness, and both sides actually went so far as to say they were "pleased" with the outcome. C'mon folks, can't we just learn from this and all strive to get along?

Hard to believe it, but a half decade ago today Steve Jobs stood up in front of a small crowd and introduced an "MP3 music player... that plays all of the popular open formats of digital music, MP3, MP3 VBR, WAV, and AIFF," a device that changed the consumer electronics industry forever. Of course, that device was the iPod. Love it or hate it (we tend to have mixed feelings about it 'round Engadget HQ), the iPod helped to make consumer electronics cool again, and managed to be a huge step forward for the CE industry shortly after the tech bubble had burst -- and during a time when the country was in turmoil after the attacks of 9/11, no less. No, the iPod wasn't the first digital music player -- not even the first with a portable hard drive -- but we're not going to wax on about what it was that charmed tens of millions of consumers out of their hard earned cash. So we figured it'd be enough to present to you an iPod family tree, do a little groundskeeping to make sure the iPod family cemetery is in good shape, and let you blow out the iPod's birthday candles whichever way you like.

P.S. - Check out Steve's original introduction to the iPod after the break. Ah, memories.

If there's anyone better than U2 frontman Bono at playing both sides of the fence in the OS wars, we haven't met them yet. One day this guy is hanging out with Bill Gates and sleeping over at his cushy pad, and the next day he's convincing Steve Jobs to release a special (non-U2) iPod and donate 5% of the proceeds to his HIV / AIDS charity. Well, at least that's the word from AppleInsider, who's claiming that the rocker was at the Apple Store in Chicago today filming a promo spot with Oprah Winfrey to prepare for the device's debut on her show tomorrow. This iPod nano Red (artist's rendition pictured above), as it's being called, will supposedly be yet another addition to the rainbow of 4GB 'Pods first unveiled at last month's "Showtime" event, but unlike the U2 models, this one will cost the same $200 as its multi-colored brethren. Each DAP sold will reportedly net PROJECT RED $10, which will then be re-donated to The Global Fund to help African women and children afflicted with the deadly disease. Get a Mac? Get a PC? An iPod? A Zune? When you're Bono, you don't have to decide.

[Thanks, Tom]

After Apple launched the not-exactly-6G iPod at the "It's Showtime" event, we had plenty of fun dissecting the new nano and handling the appropriately dubbed 5.5G iPod, but we couldn't help but notice how the dear ole U2 iPod was apparently uninvited to the refresh party. Apple has finally got around to bringing the long-standing "special edition" 'Pod to 5.5G specs, as it now sports the "brighter display," extended battery life, and a new model number (MA664LL/A) to boot. Aside from getting the 5.5G goodies (and a coupon for an "exclusive" half hour U2 video download), the real news is the price drop; while the engraved signatures of Bono and friends (and that blaze red click wheel) still demand a premium, the coinage required to pick up a 30GB U2 iPod sank from $329 to $279 -- a whole $50 -- to fall more in line with its standard $249 sibling. For a second there, we just figured the U2-branded 'Pod was stuck in a moment it couldn't get out of.

[Via iLounge]

At this point, what with the black iPod having been out on the market for about a year now, you'd think the two year old U2Pod would have faded into obscurity like so many other consumer electronics sales gimmicks. In fact, after last week's big Apple event, we were fairly certain the Edge and the iPod had finally parted ways. But not unlike its namesake band, the constructivist iPod may be poised for yet another resurrection. If a particular J&R product listing is to be believed, Bono's new 5.5G iPod is due in short order. The typically reliable J&R explicitly mentions the unit's 60% brighter display, 2nd gen earbuds, iTunes 7, etc., and their SKU (MA664LL/A) does appear to be different from the last generation U2 iPod with video (MA452LL/A). Go figure. Still, we wouldn't exactly hold our breath on a Stevenote announcing a U2 iPod mysteriously emblazoned with Johnny Depp's face, so to all ye still itching for that red click wheel (who missed your chance before last week), don't yet abandon all hope.

[Thanks, Michael]

Red clickwheel? Check. Signature-filled black backing? Ditto. Exclusive music video? Got that too. Premium pricetag? Yup, everyting is present and accounted for: it's definitely the new U2 edition iPod (with video). Keep reading for a few more pics, then hit iLounge for the full set...

Yep, it's the 30GB iPod (with video) as we all know and love or loathe it, but now it's back U2 Special Edition with that signature red click-wheel (unlike the "traditional" all black model). Just in case the gimmick's worn off now that the pent up demand for black iPods have been met, though, and it also has a metal posterior, and comes with a special iTunes Music Store coupon redeemable for a 30-minute video of music videos and band interviews. So let's review: red click-wheel, black metal back, "free" 30 minute U2 video -- you pay $30 more than the regular 30GB iPod ($329 as opposed to $299). What a steal. Ahem.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]