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Viliv X70 Series MID headed to the US, starting at $599
Viliv's X70 Series MID already looked like a pretty solid option for anyone wanting an S5 with a larger screen, but things have now gotten even more interesting, as US retailer / importer Dynamism has put up a product page listing a starting price of $599. That, as jkOnTheRun points out, is the same price as the S5, which packs a smaller 5-inch screen compared to the X70's 7-incher (though both are WSVGA). Otherwise, the two are fairly similar, with each sporting the usual Atom processor, Windows XP for an OS, built-in GPS, optional 3G, and 1GB of RAM. The X70 also mixes things up a bit with your choice of 32GB or 64GB SSD drives, while the S5 packs a standard 60GB hard drive. Still no word on a release date, but Dynamism will gladly take your email now and your order later.[Via jkOnTheRun]
Kinpo shows off 7-inch Android thin client tablet
First was the G1, and next came a slew of other cellphones. Now, we've got Android sashaying on over to netbooks, and just in case you're not really looking for that, there's Kinpo's 7-inch tablet. As the Google-sourced OS continues to show its versatility, the aforementioned company has thrown it onto a so-called thin client with a Freescale i.MX51 processor and WVGA display. From the video posted after the break, we'd say the system makes a good fit on this form factor, but feel free to hop on down and judge for yourself.
Freescale whips up netbook and smartbook design concepts, waits for someone to notice
Does the world really, truly need another netbook? How about even a single one of these so-called smartbooks? Freescale's hoping the answer to both of those questions is "absolutely, yes," as it took the opportunity at Computex to showcase a half-dozen netbook and smartbook design concepts. Granted, there's better than a fair chance that all of the models you see below won't ever leave the render stage, but if they do, they'll obviously be based on one of Freescale's chips. We can't say we're mesmerized by any of 'em, but we're curious if you feel any different -- would you drop coin on any of these machines?[Via Slashgear]
MID device sales far lower than estimates, only Intel surprised
You know that MID / UMPC craze (remember origami?) that was supposed to change our lives? Well, it hasn't. In fact, if the unofficial numbers reported by DigiTimes are correct, then sales of bulky, Menlow-based MIDs have been a disaster which helps explain why manufacturers have grown skeptical of the platform. DigiTimes is reporting sales of just 30,000 units compared to the 150,000 - 200,000 units Intel promised estimated. Intel claims that the weak sales were due to the global economic downturn but we have another opinion: mainstream consumers don't want a device that is too big for the pocket, provides less functionality than a netbook, and is priced like a laptop. That, and we still haven't seen a compelling usage scenario for this device category -- simply pairing Intel's next generation Moorestown with Moblin isn't a fix. Of course, it's no surprise that Intel got blindsided by the rise of the modern smartphone, that's not their turf... yet.
Five new Moorestown-based MIDs announced at Computex
Pardon us while we take this opportunity to snag a nap, but seriously, we just cannot muster any excitement whatsoever about Mobile Internet Devices. Stuck somewhere between capable smartphones and these newfangled smartbooks, MIDs seem to be carving out a niche that precisely no one cares about. Though, we can say we're stoked about the forthcoming introduction of Moorestown -- the Atom needs a successor in the worst way. At any rate, those still hanging on in hopes of a turnaround have introduced new MIDs today at Computex, with EB, Quanta, Inventec, Aava Mobile and Compal (despite its recent skepticism) showcasing their wares. If you honestly think you could see yourself purchasing one of these unwanted devices in the next year or so, we've got plenty of images down there in the read link.[Via MIDMoves]
Video: Viliv X70 MID gets some use, makes quite an impression
We've had our eye on Viliv's X70 since it was nothing but a render... and a beautiful dream. Now it looks like the kids at jkOnTheRun have got their hands on one and have given it the what-for. The conclusion? If there is a MID in your future, you will want to give this thing some serious consideration. According to the reviewer, the 7-inch, 1024 × 600 display seems more than generous (especially after using the 4.8-inch S5 for any length of time), giving the user plenty of room for shuffling items around on the desktop with his or her phalanges. Besides looking good, this bad boy is also thinner than the aforementioned S5, even after throwing in a webcam. Other thoughts? "Reading e-books" in portrait mode is "awesome," apparently, and the speed is "very fast," as one would expect from a device with an SSD. He has yet to test the integrated 3G (yet), but rest assured that it is there. We're still holding out for a release date and a price for this guy -- but in the mean time, make sure you peep the video after the break.[Via SlashGear]
Intel snaps up Wind River, looks for that embedded systems edge
Wind River Systems has been doing Android up right for quite some time, and evidently Intel is sick and tired of sitting on the outside looking in. Disregarding that massive EU fine for a moment, the company somehow managed to find time to pen a check in the amount of $884 million in order to fully acquire the aforesaid embedded systems company. The reason? Intel knows the CPU business is morphing into something entirely more elaborate, and it reckons a solid presence in the embedded devices segment (MIDs, UMPCs, etc.) is necessary to keep those profits up in the future. Honestly, such a pickup isn't really a shock; Intel has shown great interest in being a serious player in the handheld computing market, and its fledgling CE 3100 media processor could also benefit from a respectable layer of software behind it. Meanwhile, something tells us those Wind River guys are gearing up for the weekend of their lives.
Broadcom InConcert module brings Bluetooth 3.0 and WiFi to smaller devices
We can't say for sure, but we've all ideas that Broadcom has spent the majority of the past month just rolling in dough that's being begrudgingly transferred in from Qualcomm. During the downtime from that, however, it apparently whipped up three new Bluetooth 3.0 + WiFi modules designed to bring both connectivity options to netbooks and UMPCs that would otherwise go without. Said cards arrive in half mini-card form, which ought to slide into places where only one or the other used to fit. We're told that the company is now sampling these very chips, with volume production expected to begin in Q3 2009.
Video: Inventec's Moblin-based MediaPhone shown at Computex
You may be doing your best to plug your ears and pretend that Moblin's no big deal, but blissful ignorance is only effective for so long. At a Moblin press event over at Computex, the Inventec handset you see pictured above was demonstrated. Reportedly, the MediaPhone was a working unit based around Intel's forthcoming Moorestown platform, and the talking head made it clear that we wouldn't see a "netbook experience" simply shoved in here. We also get the idea that this particular device is just the beginning of a short to medium list of similar products, but there's obviously no word yet on what other handset / MID / UMPC makers are swallowing the Moblin pill. Live demonstration video is just past the break.
Microsoft showing off Windows 7-powered Viliv S5 MID at Computex
Being that Release Candidate 1 just hit the tubes, we weren't really expecting a big Windows 7 presence at Computex this year. Much to our surprise, Viliv has announced that it will be showcasing the first official Win7-powered MID at the Taiwan-based show later this week. The heralded S5 will be the lucky device, with a duo of WiMAX-equipped cousins (X70 EX and S7) hanging around to demonstrate live video streaming. Needless to say, we'll be doing everything we can to drop by and see how things are going.[Via CNET]
Clevo TN70M UMPC gets checked out in the UK
Clevo's TN70M touchscreen little 7-inch UMPC / netbook has just made its way to the UK, and UMPC Portal's gotten its hands on some shots of the little guy. The netbook boasts a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 CPU, a full QWERTY keyboard, a webcam, and a fingerprint reader, and is available with either XP or Vista operating systems. Clevo -- a company better known for its hulking gaming rigs -- has been pretty mum on whether the TN70M willl make its way to other shores as of yet, but it's retailing for about $520, and we'll keep our eyes peeled for you. There's one more shot after the break![Via Slashgear]
Snapdragon-powered Smartbooks: in case your smartphone / netbook ain't cutting it
Remember that Wistron PurseBook we peeked back in early April? Yeah, that's not just some one-off creation to wow folks on a show floor. We just sat down with Qualcomm to hear all about the newest small form factor machine that it has a hand in, and while we're still unsure if the market can handle it, smartbooks are coming. The machines are currently in development by a handful of Qualcomm partners, and while exact specifications have yet to be disclosed, here's what we do know. These devices will be marketed as companions to smartphones and bona fide laptops, and honestly, they kind of look like a stripped down version of Sony's VAIO P. Within the Snapdragon-based rigs, you'll find a 1GHz CPU, a battery good for eight to ten hours of use, WWAN, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, built-in GPS, HD video encoding capabilities and screen resolutions as high as WXGA (1,280 x 768). As with NVIDIA's Tegra, this chip also promises pretty awesome 3D graphics considering the low power draw. Click on for more.
Archos event June 11th: 5-inch Android tablet with voice expected
This one's a bit of a stretch but totally plausible. Archos just announced a press conference in Paris on June 11th -- that's a fact. However, the choice of Android-green in the invite above has caused widespread speculation that we'll be getting a first peep at Archos' heavily rumored Android-based device. Remember, TI was kind enough to give us the full specs on a 10-mm thin Archos Internet Media Tablet "with all the functionalities of a premium smartphone" back in February. At that time, TI listed specs like a 5-inch high-resolution screen, Adobe Flash support, TV recording, HD playback, 500GB of storage, 7 hours of video playback off battery, voice and HSUPA data radio all powered by a smokin' OMAP3440 processor from TI. If true then we can expect to see the device hinted at in the invite launch in Q3. [Via SlashGear, thanks Chris]Read -- Archos Press eventRead -- Archos Internet Media Tablet [February 9th, 2009]
SmartQ 7 is an Internet Tablet with dedicated FN
Oh look, another 7-inch device with an identity crisis. Too big to be called a smartphone, definitely not a netbook, it must be a MID, UMPC, or maybe a PMP. Wait, we see it now, the SmartQ 7 aspires to be an "Internet Tablet." Good, because its WVGA (800ish x 480 pixel) resolution is the same as Toshiba's 4.1-inch TG01 (to name just one smaller device) only stretched across a 7-inch touchscreen display -- not exactly ideal for video in 2009. The SmartQ 7 runs an unspecified Linux distro with specs that include WiFi, a USB-host mode, stereo speakers, and up to 2-days of music off a single charge to its 4500mAh Li-Poly battery. More importantly, there's a dedicated FN button along the top for instant fun. No launch date or price but we've got the backside, front, after the break.[Via Pocketables]
Fujitsu's FMV LOOX U C50N bumped up to 2GHz Atom Z550 proc, won't look back
Fujitsu just stuffed Intel's latest Atom chip, the 2GHz Atom Z550, into the FMV LU C50N UMPC, the Japanese LOOX U version of its U2010 / U820 UMPC. Of course, the processor breaks through Microsoft's restrictions on XP for netbooks, so out of the box you'll have to take the performance hit of Vista, and then perhaps get in on some Windows 7 RC action to really feel the speed boost. Other specs include just about anything else you might imagine could or couldn't fit into this form factor -- including a 5.6-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen.[Via jkkmobile]
Viliv S5 reviewed, is mostly smiles with good video playback
You've seen its introduction, its unboxing -- in two different languages, no less -- and maybe even fancied the pre-order page. Now Pocketables has what appears to be one of the first full-fledged review of the Viliv S5, and the verdict? It's quite a sturdy and well-built MID, with surprisingly good battery life and video performance from the Intel Atom Z520 processor (same one as found in the Vaio P). The virtual keyboard leaves a lot to be desired for, and it's a shame to hear the joystick's mouse functionality is limited to four directions, but despite these complaints and a $599 price tag, the conclusion is still a overwhelmingly positive for those who like the form factor. Hit up the read link for the full examination.
Ask Engadget: Best mobile note-taking device?
Like it or not, the spiral bound notebook is going the way of the Dodo. Okay, so maybe that's absolutely incorrect and totally sensationalistic, but you catch our drift. If not, take a whiff of what reader Allan is cooking:"My boss is a prolific note taker, filling many spiral bound notebooks with notes. As I deal with more projects, I find myself moving in the same direction. I would love the ability to search my notes, something not available with dead tree software. Is there a simple relatively cheap device that would allow me to take notes (preferably using hand writing), and then search them later? Ideally, I'd like something the size of a small internet tablet, but no smaller than an iPod touch. I'm looking for something far cheaper than a full-blown tablet PC, by the way."So, ladder climbers -- what's the deal here? What device would you recommend for wowing that suit in the corner office while making your note taking all the more efficient? When you're done answering, shoot us a question of your to ask at engadget dawt com.
Viliv S5 unboxed in beautiful, epic video
We've had our eyes and hands all over Viliv's S5 for quite some time now, but we'll freely admit that we kind of can't get enough of the little guy. Well, until now, maybe. jkkmobile's got an exhaustive video unboxing which shows the device off quite nicely -- its 4.8-inch haptic touchscreen looks super responsive -- and overall, this UMPC is shaping up to be one decently impressive piece of work. They're expected to ship around May 8th in the U.S. for $599. Video is after the break -- it's a little long, but be sure to stick with it until the end, when Ilsa takes off in a plane for America, leaving a teary-eyed Rick on the tarmac. You won't be disappointed.
Compal, other manufacturers skeptical of MIDs
Remember the dedicated team that Compal had set aside back in 2007 to focus on all those Atom-based MIDs expected to flood the market? Pilfered, another victim blind-sided by the rise of the netbook. According to DigiTimes' moles inside the Chinese manufacturing juggernaut, Compal, Quanta, ASUS, and others are focusing resources on netbooks while remaining conservative on Intel's MID platform. Even with Intel's battery-sipping Moorestown platform around the corner, we remain skeptical about devices that are too large for the pocket and double the price of netbooks that bring twice the screen and full QWERTY keyboards -- for mass market consumption anyway.
Toshiba's leaked product roadmap gets us hot, extra bothered by fuel-cell powered L01 MID
If the roadmap posted after the break is to be believed (and we think it is) then Toshiba is set to capture a lot of attention with its Snapdragon-based handhelds over the coming year. Techblog.gr has what it claims to be the Toshiba Device Roadmap through 2010. They've shown us a PowerPoint sample off-line that seems to support the claim. Of course, this isn't the first time Tosh has leaked an entire product cycle and the named devices align nicely with some of the prototypes Toshiba was showing-off at CES in January (see gallery below). Toshiba was already off to a good start in 2009 with its incredibly thin 4.1-inch TG01 running atop Qualcomm's snapdragon platform. It just gets better from there. First we've got the TG02 (launching in Q4) update to the TG01 that adds IPX4 water resistance without changing the specs or the dimensions. The TG03 ups the ante again with the inclusion of a 3-channel speaker for a better video experience. Also in Q4, Tosh looks ready to launch a 15-mm QWERTY slider version of the 9.9-mm TG01 with new capacitive (!) touchscreen called the K01. All other specs look unchanged including WinMo 6.5. Next is the K02 clamshell with primary 3.5-inch WVGA display and QWERTY on the inside coupled with a secondary LCD and 10-key on-screen keypad on the outside. The K02 features a resistive touchscreen, HSPA data, and same QSD8x50 chipset found in the TG01 (and all the other devices on this roadmap). Last, but by no means least, is the 7-inch L01 looking every bit the love-child of a Nokia N800 and HTC Advantage. The very same device that was shown powered by a DMFC (fuel cell) at CES in January. Interesting since Toshiba has promised a consumer device powered by a fuel cell before March of 2010. Unfortunately, it's limited to WinMo 6.5 (with a hint of a Windows Mobile 7 in 2010) and the same WVGA resolution seen on the smaller screens when it launches. Assuming the leak is true, of course.%Gallery-41724%