cebit2009
Latest
Video: Rollin' Justin and DESIRE robots take out trash, follow commands
Future Parc Hall, an out-of-the-way palace where we spotted Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's iPoint 3D yesterday, was also home to two of the baddest, most sophisticated robots we've ever had the pleasure of watching. Tattooed DESIRE (the orange guy) and Rollin' Justin (the blue fellow), these two humanoids were built with the hope of one day being available for sale to elderly and single individuals who need another being around the house to take care of things. DESIRE seemed mighty great at picking up random cans and tossing 'em in the garbage, while Rollin' Justin listened intently to commands from his master, spoke aloud to confirm them, and then obeyed. We captured everything on video for those who couldn't make it to CeBIT, so hop on past the break to have a look.%Gallery-46726%
HTC's black Magic (or Sapphire, if you prefer) spotted in the wild
We personally think it looks just grand in white, but we can understand that white isn't for everyone -- so for the rest of you, enjoy these shots of HTC's Magic in black spotted at CeBIT. Interestingly, this unit isn't Vodafone branded; instead, it's rocking the HTC logo, which might mean they're planning on offering an unlocked, unbranded unit at some point. Wouldn't that be... magical? It's not clear whether the "Magic" name is exclusive to Voda, so we might see this sucker under a different name if the unlocked thing actually happens -- maybe the "Sapphire" it went by in its codename days. Either that, or this is nothing more than a one-off used for testing, and we can all go back to dealing with Vodafone and T-Mobile contracts. Time'll tell.[Thanks, Andy]
MSI showcases new Blu-ray-equipped Wind Box DE200, we go hands-on
MSI hasn't made a big fuss about it, but the Wind Box DE200 is new for CeBIT 2009. The unit seems to be the bigger brother of its Wind Box DC100, and while we're stoked about the optional Blu-ray player, we're seriously doubting that the listed Celeron M 550 (2GHz) is the only CPU available. The unit also comes loaded with NVIDIA's GeForce 9400M GPU, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, 802.11n WiFi, HDMI and DVI outputs, Windows Vista Home edition, a multicard reader, audio in / out, Ethernet, a few USB 2.0 ports and an overly glossy enclosure. We've no pricing or release information to share just yet, but you can peek a few more angles down in the gallery below.%Gallery-46752%
MSI Wind U123 netbook hands-on
While MSI's X-Slim line no doubt garnered the most attention at its massive CeBIT booth, we found a few other gems that our camera just couldn't ignore. Take the Wind U123 for instance -- which was camped out with a Intel N280 processor, the incredibly aged GMA 950 graphics set, the old 945GSE chipset (as opposed to the GN40, which we were carelessly hoping for) and a SIM card slot for 3G WWAN. It didn't look all that different from U120, but then again, we never expected it to. Dive in below to see for yourself.%Gallery-46713%
Garmin nvi 1200 and 1300 hands-on
As with Navigon's booth yesterday, Garmin's CeBIT showcase was overflowing with Earthlings. Many of which, as you could likely guess, were swooning over the recently announced nüvi 1200 and 1300 series navigators. Naturally, the flavors found here in Hannover were those with different variations of European maps, but aside from the routes, everything will be the same on North American versions. The hippest addition to these two are the public transit maps, which inform individuals on foot what subway / tube to hop on, where to get off, which bus to take from there and how long to stay on. Frankly, it's a Euro-tripper's dream come true. Check out the photo gallery below, and if you're wondering, there's evidently no "Engadget" within the confines of "Germany." We'd argue otherwise, of course.%Gallery-46710%
Acer K10 pocket projector hands-on
Acer's K10 pocket projector was propped up aimlessly amongst a flurry of Aspire netbooks, and being that we're the caring individuals that we are, we had to stop over and show it some love. The 800 x 600 resolution actually looked great, though the image was decidedly faint in the well-lit hall. Size wise, it's a real winner, but we still don't see this being all that useful in areas that are even mildly splashed with daylight. Have a look below to see what we mean.%Gallery-46707%
Clevo's 18.4-inch M980NU desktop replacement gets put through its paces
The gang over at Notebook Check just got their hands on that Clevo M980NU we've had our eyes on for a couple months now. A desktop replacement clearly aimed at the gaming set (what else could all those blue LEDs possibly mean?), this guy rocks the new nVidia Geforce GTX 280M GPU which, combined with its 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, gets called out for its "first-class performance in virtually all fields of application." The 18.4-inch display is no slouch either: with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a max contrast of 595:1, this guy offers "much bigger color space" than most notebooks, although the reviewer points out that you'd see better performance from an RGB-LED panel display such as the Dell Studio XPS 16. But don't take our word for it -- to check out the comprehensive, earth-shattering review hit that read link.
MSI Winki eyes-on: it's an instant-on OS, but for desktops
MSI did a laudatory job this morning baffling us with its Winki release, but we managed to find an exceptionally kind, English-speaking representative at its CeBIT booth today who broke it down for us. In short, Winki is MSI's new instant-on operating system. It's Linux-based, and looks a heck of a lot more elaborate than the HyperSpace instant-on OS that we toyed with in January. The kicker is that at least for now, this thing is only for desktops, as it's actually built into a small module (shown above) that plugs directly into an MSI motherboard. At first, only select mainboards will come bundled with Winki, but it just might roll out across MSI's entire mobo line. The dame we spoke with wouldn't divulge any details on whether this OS would ever come to its wide-ranging laptop line, but we suspect it will in due time. Winki provides easy access to IM services, Skype and the internet, which is a shortcut to Doom away from being all the true gamer needs in life, anyway.%Gallery-46705%
LG Xnote P510 laptop hands-on
We felt a bit out of place when waltzing into LG's very business like booth, and while we were absolutely devoid of suit and tie, we weren't unappreciative of all the beauty seen here on the Xnote P510. First spotted just under a month ago, this here lappie is an immediate eye-catcher in person. The entire palm rest of made of a rubberized material (trackpad included), and there's even a vibration function to provide noticeable feedback in the pad if you're into that sort of thing. The build was sturdy, the keys were delightful to touch and the flush trackpad was simply luscious. In case you couldn't tell, we were nearly booted from the booth from drooling all over the demo unit. We still couldn't pry out a price, but we overheard one of those aforementioned suits bragging to his buddy that he'd have one "next month." Grab a tissue and jump down to the gallery below.%Gallery-46704%
IBM develops ZTIC USB stick for secure online banking
Among the goodies making their debut at CeBIT this week, ZTIC (Zone Trusted Information Channel) is a USB stick designed for secure online banking, even on your horribly malware-infected machine. Developed in Zurich by IBM, this guy opens an SSL connection with the bank's servers, keeping the data safely on its side of things (this guy has no storage of its own) and displaying the transaction on the hardware itself. Even if your connection is breached by a "man-in-the-middle" attack, the hacker's funny business will be exposed on the device's display, which comes equipped with a big red "panic" button -- just in case. Pricing and availability for banking institutions has yet to be determined, but we do have a boss video for you after the break.[Via PC World]
QNAP intros NMP1000 network media player, we go hands-on
While swinging by QNAP's CeBIT booth to check out its array of recently launched NAS devices, we happened upon a demonstration that was showcasing a brand new device: the NMP1000. Short for Network Multimedia Player, this set-top-box is pretty much like every other HD media streamer already out there, as it connects to networked storage and pipes out audio and video content to one's TV via a customized user interface. What we saw looked pretty slick, even though it was inexplicably connected to the LG display via S-Video. As for specs, it's boasting a Sigma Designs SMP8635 processor, 256MB of DDR RAM, room for one 3.5-inch SATA drive, a single gigabit Ethernet jack, dual USB 2.0 sockets, one eSATA port, HDMI 1.3 / component / composite / S-Video outs and a bundled remote. It supports just about any format on the map, and the on-hand representative told us it should be out next month for "somewhere under $10,000." Have a look at some in-action shots below.%Gallery-46650%
ASUS K Series laptops hands-on
Hope you're still hungry for even more new machines from the kids at ASUS, 'cause we've got let another lineup to share. The recently launched K Series is aimed at those looking for a portable PC that can handle the basics, particularly ones who won't much mind how the thing looks. Don't get us wrong, the K Series is a perfectly fine looking machine, but it is pretty far left on the drab-to-exciting scale. That said, the 15- and 17-inch variants we saw seemed ideal for multimedia duties and the occasional bout with Microsoft Office, with the keyboard being extra spacious and ripe for typing at length. Of note, the K Series is the first laptop family to get equipped with AMD's ultra-fresh ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4860 graphics set, so yeah, there's that. Click around below for looks from every angle.%Gallery-46612%
ASUS U / UX Series laptops hands-on
Maybe it's just because we visited that heart-stealing Eee PC 1008HA right before these buggers, but for whatever reason, ASUS' new U / UX lineup just didn't seem as sexy in person as they did in the press shots. We will say, however, that the light-up trackpad was one of the more whiz-bang things we've seen in awhile, though we're still skeptical of its actual utility. Curiously enough, one of the models on display even lacked letters on the chiclet style keyboard, and while we know good and well it won't ship like that, we were kind of fond of it... in a weird, nerd-type way. At any rate, feel free to dig in to the gallery below, and be sure to mind the ASUS rep waxing the fingerprints from the bezel -- you'll be doing lots of that should you select one of these.%Gallery-46607%
ASUS Eee PC 1008HA hands-on
While we initially assumed that ASUS' Lamborghini VX5 would be its sexiest laptop at CeBIT, now we're having second thoughts. After taking the wraps off of its downright stunning 10-inch Eee PC 1008HA yesterday, we spotted the bugger sittin' pretty today at the outfit's booth. Needless to say, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to snag a few snapshots and share 'em all with you. Much like the S101, the so-called "Shell" has very little "Eee" in its blood. In fact, you'd barely know it was part of the family without that descriptive placard sitting there beside it. ASUS engineered this one for fashionistas who'd like a little PC with their next style accessory, and everything from the glorious paint job to the ultra-clean lines screamed "gorgeous." Really, take a look below and see for yourself.%Gallery-46604%
Core i7-packin' Clevo D900F gaming laptop hands-off
We're not sure if Clevo has had to deal with trade show thievery in the past, but its Core i7-equipped D900F was locked down tight at CeBIT. Nevertheless, we stopped by -- camera in hand -- to have a look, and what we saw was something we'd never, ever want on our laps for more than 120 seconds. We also saw a ridiculously potent LAN party rig, so we suppose there's some truth to that "eye of the beholder" thing our parents keep mentioning. All the big pics are just below, but you already knew that, didn't you? %Gallery-46471%
ASUS' morning CeBlitz roundup
ASUS went for a repeat of last year's CeBIT extravagance and threw all manner of product at us this morning. We've gotten to play with most of it, and while we're sure a few more items will trickle past in the next day or two, you can check out the gist of it right here, right now. The best: #saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 7px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; } ASUS debuts the Eee PC 1008HA "Shell" 10-inch ultraportableASUS has taken the wraps off its latest Eee PC, the 1008HA we heard was on the way to follow up on the S101. Hands-on with ASUS' Eee Keyboard Remember that Eee Keyboard that was announced during CES? ASUS did itself proud by bringing a few to CeBIT this year, and we were able to swing by and take a look. Hands-off with ASUS' Dual Panel Touchscreen PC at CeBITLive from the CeBIT floor, we present to you ASUS' Dual Panel touchscreen PC. Hands-on with ASUS' galleria of Eee PCs at CeBITASUS broke out a stable of Eee PCs here in Germany, and we were on hand to have a look at all of the freshest ones. The rest: ASUS shows off Eee Stick at CeBIT Hands-off with ASUS Marine Cool concept motherboard Hands-on: ASUS' Lamborghini VX5 laptop
FujiFilm FinePix digital cameras hands-on
Apparently FujiFilm's truckload of new cameras got redirected from Las Vegas to Hannover, but whatever the case, we'll take whatever hands-on we can get. Over in a small corner at CeBIT, FujiFilm was on hand with its recently-shipping F200EXR and the bulk of its pre-PMA crew. We didn't notice anything particularly special about any of 'em (cosmetically, we mean), though we must say, the lime green on the Z33WP really began to grow on us. See if it rubs you the same way in the gallery below.%Gallery-46466%
Pretec unveils 64GB and 128GB ExpressCard SSD drives
The kids at Pretec sure love taking things to the limit. Whether they're announcing the world's smallest microSD reader, the largest CF card, or submerging their new flash drive in water, they have a certain fondness for the dramatic gesture. While the company's newest endeavor doesn't provide an occasion to head down to the shooting range, the new ExpressCard SSD is available in both 64GB and 128GB flavors denominations, and boasts hardware-based AES256 encryption / decryption and a dual ExpressCard / mini-USB interface. On the scene now at CeBIT 2009.
ASUS debuts the Eee PC 1008HA "Shell" 10-inch ultraportable
ASUS has taken the wraps off its latest Eee PC, the 1008HA we heard was on the way to follow up on the S101. As far as anyone can tell -- ASUS is a little coy on specs so far -- the laptop harbors fairly traditional netbook specs and a netbook pricepoint, but the exterior is all new and rather attractive. The computer is 1-inch thick and weighs 2.4 pounds, with a curved, shiny plastic "shell" (ASUS calls it "pearlescent") to give a bit more luster than the average Eee PC. ASUS is including 802.11n, Bluetooth, 3G and WiMAX options, and packing in it Eee Sharing and Eee Arena software. We'll be looking to dig up more specs and some hands-on time with this unit this week at CeBIT.[Via UMPCPortal]%Gallery-46497%
Hands-on with Navigon's newest GPS units
Navigon had a shockingly large presence at CeBIT this year, and considering just how many issues these Europeans seem to have with following directions, we weren't at all surprised to find it among the most crowded booth at the entire show. Needless (and harmless, might we add) jabs aside, the firm had a number of its latest GPS units up on display, and while the model numbers (and software, obviously) were a touch different than the US models announced yesterday, the hardware was definitely the same. We really dug what we saw, too, as the curvaceous, thin designs really caught the eye and the LCD displays were all bright and easy to read. If you're hungry for more pics, you know where to look.%Gallery-46459%