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Asus shipping 11- and 12-inch bamboo laptops in June -- Mother Jones nearly smiles
Finally, after kicking its bamboo laptops around trade shows for more than a year, Asus is set to roll out the eco-themed lappies in June. No details were provided except a rough price of about $1,650 for the 11-inch S6 and 12-inch U6. Really though, does it matter what's inside? It'll look great at the local cafe propped-up conspicuously next to your organic, Fare Trade coffee harvested by newly white-collared neo-peasants.
Dell unveils tiny bamboo-cased eco-computer concept
Michael Dell spoke at Fortune's Brainstorm:Green conference today, and he took the wraps off this funky bamboo-encased eco-PC concept. Said to be Dell's smallest-ever computer, the machine is 81 percent smaller than a standard desktop and uses 70 percent less power. There's no word on what's inside yet, but Dell says the machine is due to be released later this year, and should cost between $500 and $700. Hit the read link for a couple more shots, and check out a render after the break.
ASUS gets bamboo happy at CeBIT 2008
In case you weren't aware, ASUS has a little bit of thing for bamboo, and its passionate displays of affection were unapologetic at CeBIT this year in Germany. The company was showing off a number product concepts on the show, as seen above, and while little info was given on specs or releases, they certainly seem to be a sign of things to come. We're actually a bit more excited about that Essentio 5110 bamboo desktop than the various laptops, but, as demonstrated by the EcoBook, ASUS is probably going to be pushing this mostly in a laptop direction.[Via Crave]
Felt Mouse puts a different spin on ergonomics
We have little choice but to take Joey Roth's word for it, but we've got our reservations about this one. The so-called Felt Mouse forgoes the typical dome shape that most mice made this millennium share in favor of a totally blockish -- and likely uncomfortable -- design. Conceptually, at least, the critter is indeed wireless, and while you will notice a right and left click, you can forget about finding one of those fancy "scroll wheel" contraptions. The unit is said to be constructed primarily from "natural wool felt and laminated bamboo ply," and the former will apparently conform to your hand when you grab hold. Check out the underbelly after the jump -- we promise carpal tunnel syndrome can't be contracted visually.[Via YankoDesign]
Wacom shipping Bamboo tablets in the US
We'd heard about Wacom's small and inexpensive Bamboo input tablets a few months ago, but it looks like the company is getting ready to ship both the $79 Bamboo (aimed at casual photo retoucher) and the $99 (small) and $199 (medium) Bamboo Fun, which costs more because it comes with a mouse and is apparently more fun. Both models feature four ExpressKeys, the "touch ring" zoom / scroll controller, and a textured surface designed to emulate the feel of a real pen on paper. Both models should work well with both OS X's InkWell and Vista's Tablet features, so those of you interested in eating up Martha should keep your eyes open.[Via MacWorld]
Nanoparticle coated bamboo handset gets patent, gives slivers
We're thinking the patent given to an enviro-friendly bamboo handset takes the cake -- if, that is, you are hunting for a biodegradable handset that may give you splinters. The patent also allows for a nanotech self-cleaning coating that will be useful for "sterilizing, deodorizing, antifouling and self-cleaning." Throw in 3G internet access, a 0.3 to 8 megapixel cam, and we have a well rounded device -- though we aren't too clear on what exactly is being antifouled. While a practical application may not be just around the corner, we are digging that green alternatives (even rather strange ones) are being considered. Hit the read link for the full patent.[Via textually.org]
Wacom rolls out "Bamboo" tablet
Wacom has busted out a new tablet for those not quite ready to drop $3,000 on a Cinteq (or $200 building their own), with its new "Bamboo" tablet device covering all the basics for a reasonable price. Of course, you won't get a built-in LCD, and it's not wireless, but you will at least be able to take advantage of Vista's various pen-based capabilities (it'll work just fine with a Mac as well). The device itself also won't take up too much room on your desk space, measuring about 7.8 x 7.3 inches although, as far as we can tell, it's not actually made of bamboo. If that's not too much of a deal-breaker, you'll be able to pick up one of these this month in Japan for ¥8,980, or about $75.[Via Impress]
Asus EcoBook touts bamboo casing
Green is most definitely in, and while LG is out crafting environmentally friendly big screens, Asus is stretching for the eco-minded set with its dashing EcoBook. Getting a bit of hands-on action, CNET was able to grab hold of Asus' bamboo-clad laptop long enough to catch jungle fever, but sadly, we've absolutely no idea what type of potency lies beneath the forest hood. Of course, with such a conservative message, we fully expect a ridiculously long battery life and a ULV processor, and true road warriors should probably invest in a decent humidifier to carry along in your laptop bag. It was noted that a good bit of thought went into the design, as the enclosure features interchangeable (and biodegradable) panels (pictured after the break), silver keyboard / trackpad, and a nifty PowerGear performance button, and considering all the experience Asus has in coating portables with materials other than plastic, we're sure the final product will be up to snuff whenever it decides to land.[Via Techie Diva]
