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  • Ask Engadget: best desktop OS for kids?

    by 
    Darren Murph
    Darren Murph
    09.03.2011

    We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Ryan, who can't wait to get his kid fixated on the wonderful world of computers. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "My son (five years old) has commandeered my wife's laptop for his game-playing pleasure lately, and it's been driving her batty. He basically only plays the games she does (Plants vs. Zombies, Zuma, etc.). So far he's able to find the games he wants (by their icons) and open them without issues using Windows 7, but now that I'm looking into getting him his own basic computer I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't something more kid-friendly out there. I've had cursory experience with OS X and Linux (Ubuntu), and I'll be doing all the installing and setup myself. Any thoughts from parents? Thanks!" Kids and computers. Now that's a recipe for awesomeness. Any new(ish) parents out there have any experience on their kids loving / hating a certain OS? Feel free to drop your advice in comments below -- let's keep it intelligent, okay?

  • Parallels Desktop 7 plays nice with Lions and cameras and developers, oh my!

    by 
    Daniel Cooper
    Daniel Cooper
    09.01.2011

    Today sees the release of Parallels 7, the newest version of its popular, competition beating virtualization software. This edition plays nicely with Lion, runs multiple virtual machines and has received several performance tweaks -- for the number obsessed, you'll enjoy knowing that it resumes Windows 60 percent faster than Parallels 6. Gamers will notice a 40 percent bump in 3D graphics rendering and video-chatters will find that Windows can now access your Mac while it's being dictated by OS X. Low end users who don't have Windows 7, fear not -- you can use the "Windows on Demand" service to buy a license via an "easy-to-use wizard" like, erm -- Clippy. Mobile fans will also see Parallels' iOS app give you remote access to your home machine, but be quick -- the price is leaping skyward from $4.99 to $19.99 soon. You can grab the standalone edition for $80, but folks already using versions 5 or 6 can level-up for $50.

  • ViewSonic launches ViewPad 7x and 10pro, budget-friendly 7e to follow in Q4

    by 
    Terrence O'Brien
    Terrence O'Brien
    09.01.2011

    Viewsonic has been taunting us a slew of slates for months, one of which we even got to manhandle way back in February. It seems the company is finally ready to deliver its ViewPads to the public though, and announced the availability of three models at IFA. The ViewPad 10pro has been around the block a few times by now and, after a limited run earlier, the Android 2.3 and Windows 7-running tablet will hit shelves on September 5th starting at €499 ($714) for the WiFi only version. Next up is the oft-teased ViewPad 7x, a 7-inch slice of Honeycomb that sports the custom, 3D ViewScene skin. A definitive date hasn't been set for this 8GB, Tegra 2-powered device, but it's expected to land before the end of the month for €349 ($499). Last, is the budget-minded ViewPad 7e. We don't know much about this device, outside of the fact that it sports a 4:3 screen, most likely of the 7-inch variety, but it seems safe to assume we're looking at another Android device. One with relatively low-power internals considering its estimated €169 ($242) price when it lands sometime in Q4.

  • Lenovo announces U300s Ultrabook, U300 and U400 IdeaPads, we go hands-on (video)

    by 
    Tim Stevens
    Tim Stevens
    09.01.2011

    The unchallenged reign of the MacBook Air on the thin-and-light domain is nearing an end -- the Ultrabooks are coming, and the Lenovo U300s looks to be one of the strongest competitors we've yet seen. It's a new entry to the IdeaPad lineup, the thinnest and lightest of a redesigned and reborn U Series that will also include the slightly stockier 13.3-inch U300 and the even bigger but even more serious 14-inch U400. All three are shipping in October, and we recently got a chance to try out the tiny trio. Read on for full details and our full impressions. %Gallery-132309%

  • Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac: Faster, new features, better mobility

    by 
    Steve Sande
    Steve Sande
    08.31.2011

    Parallels 7 has just been announced. The latest iteration of Parallels, the virtualization environment that currently has about 75% of the total Mac market share for VM software, ships with more than 90 new and enhanced features. As you'd expect, one of the enhancements is the speed of the app. Based on benchmarks run by Parallels, the app is 60 percent faster than Parallels Desktop 6 when resuming Windows and up to 45 percent faster for 3D graphics. Lion compatibility is also improved in the new release -- the app allows use of Full Screen mode, Launch Pad, and Mission Control while running Windows apps. Want to run apps that take advantage of the Mac's iSight / FaceTime camera in both Windows and Mac OS at the same time? With Parallels 7, that's now possible. Developers will love the fact that they can now run OS X Lion in a virtual machine (see screenshot at top of page) -- it's no problem at all to run multiple sessions of Windows and Lion on your Mac. If you don't currently own a Windows license, Parallels now includes "Windows on Demand," a service that lets you purchase and automatically install Windows 7 in a virtual machine on your Mac. There's also an upgraded capability to connect to virtual machines remotely from iOS devices using the Parallels Mobile App. The app is currently free, but will sell for US$4.99 after 9/1 and eventually jump to $19.99. Pricing for the new version is $79.99, or $49.99 for an upgrade from Parallels 5 or 6. The Student Edition is available for $39.99. A Switch to Mac edition is available for $99.99 and includes a number of video tutorials on how to use a Mac, and Enterprise volume licenses are available as well. A full review of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac and the Parallels Mobile App is coming soon to TUAW, so stay tuned. Show full PR text Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Makes Windows Programs Roar with Mac OS X Lion Features; New Parallels Mobile App Delivers OS X and Windows Control Plus Flash Videos with Sound Launch Pad, Full Screen and other supported Lion features plus 90 enhancements make the No. 1 selling and best performing software for running Windows on Macs better than ever Renton, WA. September 1, 2011 – Parallels® today announced the September 6th availability of Parallels Desktop® 7 for Mac (www.parallels.com/desktop/seven), the fastest, most intuitive and immersive version yet of the No. 1 selling software for running Windows and Mac applications side-by-side on a Mac without rebooting. Over three million current Parallels Desktop users can upgrade to Parallels Desktop 7 starting today. More than 90 new and enhanced features in Parallels Desktop 7 include Mac OS® X Lion integration, performance boosts and a powerful new Parallels Mobile app and My Parallels services platform for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices. Parallels Desktop 7 is packed with features most desired by users, extending its lead as the best solution for businesses and consumers worldwide. "As Macs have become more popular than ever, a growing number of Mac users, including enterprises, find they need to run critical Windows programs on their Macs. Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac lets you run popular apps like Windows Internet Explorer, Access, OneNote, Quicken and more, even the most demanding graphical programs, without rebooting and without compromise on speed and usability. Run Windows applications like they were made for your Mac," said Parallels CEO Birger Steen. "The people have spoken and Parallels listened to make the best even better. Whether you're a business, individual or student, Parallels Desktop 7 gives you the best Windows on Mac performance plus mobility from any iPad, iPhone or iPod touch." According to results from more than 4,000 benchmark tests conducted by independent publisher MacTech, Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac outperformed its closest competitor in 92 percent of 3D graphics tests and 84 percent of general performance tests.1 Parallels Desktop 7 performance is even faster. It outpaces its competitor by 120 percent when copying files within Windows, and 40 percent when starting and resuming Windows, according to testing conducted by Parallels. It is also 60 percent faster than Parallels Desktop 6 for resuming Windows and up to 45 percent faster for 3D graphics in some applications. Parallels Desktop 7 delivers the most immersive and integrated Windows on Mac experience ever so customers can enjoy the full benefits of the Mac hardware they love. Highlights include:  Enjoy Lion functionality including Full Screen, Launch Pad and Mission Control, for your Windows programs  Run multiple copies of OS X Lion or Windows and their applications on your Mac  Use your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to watch and listen to Flash videos in Windows on your Mac; access and run your OS X, Windows, Chrome, Ubuntu and other operating systems, their applications and files on your Mac anytime from anywhere  Windows on Demand - purchase and automatically install Windows on your Mac right from Parallels Desktop 7 in the U.S. – Parallels does all the work for you! 1 MacTech Labs: Virtualization Benchmarks, Jan. 5, 2011, www.mactech.com/2011/01/05/virtualization-benchmarks  For people who want to switch from PC to Mac, Parallels also announced the availability of Parallels Desktop 7 Switch to Mac EditionTM, which includes Parallels Desktop 7 plus Parallels High Speed USB transfer cable, as well as almost two hours of video tutorials that make it easy to learn how to use your new Mac. Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Enterprise Edition (www.parallels.com/desktop/enterprise) empowers businesses and IT departments to support Windows based business applications for Mac users with a configurable, policy-compliant solution that easily fits into existing business processes and helps reduce the cost of deploying and maintaining client-based software. Today Parallels also separately announced (www.parallels.com/press) the new Parallels Mobile app with My Parallels service for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices works with Parallels Desktop 7 and is for sale in the App Store on (or shortly after) September 6th. The new Parallels Mobile app lets you remotely access and control both your Mac and Windows applications, and files from anywhere. Its new Windows features include audio support for Flash and the ability to copy and paste text between Windows programs on your Mac and your Apple mobile devices. Details are available at www.parallels.com/mobile. Parallels Desktop 7 has more than 90 new and improved features including: Simple Switching, Simple Daily Use  You asked for it: New look and feel delivers on top customer requests for usability  Make Windows programs roar: Enjoy Lion functionality including Full Screen, Launch Pad and Mission Control, for your Windows programs.  Keep your routine: Run Windows programs like they were made for your Mac, with seamless integration, improved virtual printing, shared folders and more.  Moving to Mac made easy: Move your programs, files, and user settings – even browser favorites – from your PC to your Mac with a complete set of switching tools. Make your new Mac just as familiar as your old PC.  Webcams: Enjoy using your Mac's iSight or FaceTime HD camera in both OS X Lion and Windows programs  Windows on demand: U.S. customers can purchase and automatically install Windows on your Mac right from Parallels Desktop 7 – Parallels does all the work for you2 Speed and Performance  Fastest ever: Start, stop and resume Windows more quickly than ever. Access and work faster with Windows and Mac files.  Brilliant graphics: Experience Parallels' maximum speed and performance for 3D and graphic intensive applications with improved full screen support and up to 1GB of video memory  Richer audio: Enjoy music, movies, videos and games more than ever before with support for 7.1 surround sound and a new 5.1 sound driver Mobility and Manageability  Get more done: Work or play longer with improved battery life performance  Connect anytime, anywhere: Access Mac or Windows applications and documents from your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with the new Parallels Mobile app – including new capabilities such as audio support and cut-and-paste within Windows applications running on your Mac  Flash video with sound on the go: New audio integration with Flash means you can watch and listen to Flash videos on your iPad and iOS devices by remotely running Windows Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player on your Mac with the new Parallels Mobile app  Multiple virtual machines: Run multiple copies of OS X Lion or Windows and their applications on your Mac. Easily open virtual machines created by other Parallels products as well import virtual machines created in third-party software. 2 English-language version only, United States   Anti-Virus and Internet Security for both Mac and Windows: Enjoy peace of mind with a free 90-day trial of Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac and Kaspersky Internet Security for Windows. Availability and Pricing Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is available today as an upgrade for current Parallels Desktop users. It will be available to the general public, both a downloadable version and packaged software for delivery, from www.parallels.com starting on September 6th. Packaged software will also be available starting September 6th at Apple retail stores, Apple.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, MicroCenter and hundreds of other retail locations nationwide. The standard retail price (SRP) of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is $79.99 and a student edition is available for $39.99. Parallels Desktop 7 Switch to Mac Edition is $99.99. Special pricing of $49.99 is available for customers currently using VMware Fusion who want to have a solution that is fully compatible with Lion. Upgrades are available now for existing Parallels Desktop for Mac customers for $49.99. Details are available online at www.parallels.com. Volume pricing and site-license opportunities for Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Enterprise Edition are available by contacting the Parallels Sales Team at http://www.parallels.com/desktop/volume-licensing. Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Japanese. Additional localized versions will soon be available in, simplified and traditional Chinese, Korean, Czech, Polish and Portuguese. A free trial of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is available starting September 6th, along with in-depth information, videos and screenshots of the new features at www.parallels.com/desktop/seven. Customers who purchased Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac from an authorized reseller on or after August 1, 2011, are eligible to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac at no additional cost. If you purchased from parallels.com or have registered your product activation key you will automatically be emailed instructions on how to upgrade to Parallels Desktop 7 at no additional cost. The new Parallels Mobile app is available in the App Store on (or shortly after) September 1 with a $4.99 introductory price; the standard retail price is $19.99. Current users of the free Parallels Mobile app will receive a free upgrade to the new Parallels Mobile app when it becomes available by simply updating the Parallels Mobile app on their mobile devices. About Parallels Parallels is a global leader in hosting and cloud services enablement and desktop virtualization. Founded in 1999, Parallels is a fast-growing company with more than 800 employees in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.parallels.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ParallelsMac and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParallelsDesktop.

  • Samsung's Series 7 Slate PC hands-on

    by 
    Michael Gorman
    Michael Gorman
    08.31.2011

    And you thought Samsung was finished showing off its Series 7 line of PCs. Joining the gaming rig and its smaller laptop brethren is a brand new Series 7 Slate running Windows 7. It sports a 400 nit, 1366 x 768 11.6-inch capacitive panel, Intel's 1.6GHz Core i5 2467M CPU with integrated graphics and 4GB of RAM. On the front there's a 2 megapixel camera and a light sensor, and around the back sits a 3 megapixel shooter. Connectivity comes courtesy of 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, plus there's a USB 2.0 port, micro HDMI, and a SIM slot for surfing waves of 3G (no word on which carrier will send those swells of data, though). Each slate also comes with an capacitive active digitizer pen, but will also have Swype on board plus a custom software layer to make Windows a bit more finger-friendly. It comes in four versions that differ in storage size and flavor of Windows, but all are .5 inches thin, weigh 2.03 pounds, and are swathed in brushed aluminum. There are 64GB SSD variants packing Home Premium for $1,099 or Pro for $1,199, while the 128GB models come with Home Premium, a dock and keyboard for $1349 or Pro sans the peripherals at the same price. They're all scheduled for a late September release, so it won't be long before you can pick one up. Looking to take the tablet plunge into Windows waters? Read on past the break for our impressions of Sammy's new slate. %Gallery-132170%

  • Nsquared's Seamless Computing, Surface + Kinect + Slate + Phone = amazing interface (video)

    by 
    Daniel Cooper
    Daniel Cooper
    08.30.2011

    Sydney's nsquared is calling it "Seamless Computing" -- software which unifies Windows Phone 7, Surface, Windows 7 Slate and Kinect. Begin designing a new home on your phone and then place it on the Surface to share between all the devices, then pick up the Slate to make some modifications before walking through a 3D model of the building, navigating with Kinect's gesture interface. Software like AirPlay and Touch to Share already give you a taste for this sort of tech, but the experience that Dr. Neil Roodyn demonstrates in the video below is far more immersive -- not to mention unspeakably cool.

  • Fujitsu LOOX F-07C review

    by 
    Richard Lai
    Richard Lai
    08.26.2011

    For those who've been dwelling on this planet long enough, you might just remember a category of mobile computers by the name of UMPCs. In particular, think Sony's VAIO UX, the OQO devices and the elusive xpPhone. Alas, those Windows devices were -- and probably still are -- well ahead of their time no thanks to their battery life, bulkiness and sometimes cost; though for some bizarre reason, Fujitsu begs to differ. In fact, said company took one step further and released a hybrid device in Japan: the LOOX F-07C, a QWERTY slider phone that can switch between Symbian and Windows 7 at a click of a button. Interesting combination, right? Read on to find out how this weird device fares in real life. %Gallery-131163% %Gallery-131207%

  • Samsung's N102 is an N100 clone, ditches MeeGo for Windows 7 Starter

    by 
    Dante Cesa
    Dante Cesa
    08.22.2011

    Were you mostly on board with the N100, but wished Sammy would have held the MeeGo? Those of you in India or Russia are apparently in luck, as Notebook Italia has spotted its Windows-toting twin: the N102. Identical to the N100 in every other way, 10-inch netbook kicks the open source OS to the curb, opting instead for the pared down Windows 7 Starter Edition. Naturally, you'll pay a little extra for the privilege, as the 8,930 Roubles (around $320) gizmo is about 50 bones more than its MeeGo-wielding doppelgänger. Or, you know, you could just buy the N100, bask in open-source goodness and then put that half-Benjamin toward the purchase of a real copy of Windows.

  • HP's Compaq 8200 Elite all-in-one desktop coming to a cubicle near you

    by 
    Joseph Volpe
    Joseph Volpe
    08.22.2011

    If you were in need of HP news that has nothing to do with the sold-out, overnight sensation that's become the TouchPad, then read on. The company's just announced a new all-in-one desktop solution for the enterprise set -- the Compaq 8200 Elite. Starting at a wallet-pleasing $1000, the 1920 x 1080 23-inch full HD monitor comes outfitted with your choice of Intel's Pentium or vPro line of chips, up to 8GB DDR3 SDRAM, HDD storage that ranges from 250GB to 1TB, six USB 2.0 ports, an optional Blu-ray drive, and a six-in-one media card reader. As you might expect, the machine also comes pre-loaded with MS' ever-handy Office 2010 starter pack and Norton Internet Security. Sound like the sort of refresh you so desperately need for your cubicle? Then check it out for yourself at the source below.

  • ViewSonic ViewPad 10pro: a Windows 7 tablet that also runs Android -- sort of

    by 
    Daniel Cooper
    Daniel Cooper
    08.16.2011

    Life would be so much easier if you could just switch operating systems depending on what you need, wouldn't it? That's the thinking behind ViewSonic's ViewPad 10pro, a "dual OS" tablet that runs Windows 7 and Android 2.3. The Wi-Fi enabled device comes with Intel's new 1.5 GHz Atom Z670 CPU, a 1024 x 600 display, 2GB of memory, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, HDMI capabilities and a microSD slot. We had a hands-on in May and found out that the 10.1-inch device runs Android with Bluestacks' virtualization layer for Windows, though we noticed that performance left a little to be desired. The base model comes with Windows 7 Home Premium and a 16GB SSD for $599, while an extra Benjamin gets you Windows 7 Professional and a 32GB SSD. If you want one soon, best get a move on, as "limited numbers" are currently available. For more information you can sonically view ViewSonic's press release, after the break.

  • Windows Phone 7 turned into Windows 7 controller, 3D mice put on notice

    by 
    Daniel Cooper
    Daniel Cooper
    08.15.2011

    You can pack all the gyroscopes, accelerometers and other motion-detecting sensors you want in your desktop -- it's still not going to be any good at playing Eliminate: Gun Range. That's the motivation behind developer Arik Poznanski's latest release. He has created a driver enabling his Windows Phone 7 to transmit its accelerometer data back to his Windows 7 desktop in real time. Currently the driver's not good for much beyond a tech demo, but given the different ways people have hacked their Wiimotes, it won't be long before homebrewed killer apps start appearing -- perhaps paired up with a little Kinect wizardry. If you're looking to get started at home, hit the source link below for more details. [Thanks, Sandip]

  • Dell's Latitude XT3 goes up for pre-order, swivels your way September 22nd

    by 
    Dante Cesa
    Dante Cesa
    08.11.2011

    Are you a fancy suit, known to occasionally dabble in the fine art of scribbling? Have a seat bud, because Dell's gone and put up a pre-order page for the touchscreen convertible that you've been waiting for: the Latitude XT3. When we last espied the drop-top in February, we came away mighty impressed with its spiffy 13.3-inch dual-digitizer display, which recognized the attached stylus in addition to three of our meaty digits. We also liked the inclusion of the Core i3 -- upgradeable to an i5 or i7 -- which packs a punch, unlike the miserly Core 2 Duo's found in its predecessors. The magnesium-reinforced piece of kit starts at $1,789, unless you have it your way and toss in the optional $49 backlit keyboard or spring for the $100 outdoor-viewing display. We'll take ours with both, and with a ship date of September 22nd, you've got plenty of time to get a customizin' at the source below.

  • Lenovo's ThinkCentre M71z business desktop keeps your productivity up for $599

    by 
    Joe Pollicino
    Joe Pollicino
    08.10.2011

    Ready to revamp your company's computer systems once the summer's heat is a mere memory? Come this October, Lenovo's letting loose its 20-inch ThinkCentre M71z all-in-one desktop, priced starting at just $599 to keep those expense reports low and your interest piqued. Better yet, you'll be able to deck it out if you're ready to rack up some points on the company credit card. Around the outside, you'll find six USB ports and a DisplayPort connection, but it can also be equipped with a multi-touch screen as well as a two megapixel webcam -- fantastic for those 10-way Skype or Google+ meetings. If you're hungry for performance, the desktop can be maxed out with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, WiFi and either a 1TB HDD, or 160GB SSD capable of 15 second start-ups with RapidBoot. For good measure, the M71z comes bundled with Windows 7 Professional along with a wireless mouse and keyboard -- the latter of which is flood spill-resistant. Please excuse us while we get back to the business of blogging, but you'll find the full PR past the break.

  • Dell's Latitude XT3 tablet PC gets a product page, spins around for your amusement

    by 
    Brian Heater
    Brian Heater
    08.06.2011

    Well lookee here -- it's the snazzy new Dell tablet PC that we first spotted way back in February. The Latitude XT3 finally has a product page to call its own, yet another hint that it will be swiveling its way into the hands and hearts of buyers in the near future -- a notion further driven home by the convertible's recent cameo on the FCC. The 13.3-inch laptop sports an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor, Windows 7, and works with a finger or stylus -- remember those? %Gallery-130059%

  • Switched On: Desktop divergence

    by 
    Ross Rubin
    Ross Rubin
    07.31.2011

    Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. Last week's Switched On discussed how Lion's feature set could be perceived differently by new users or those coming from an iPad versus those who have used Macs for some time, while a previous Switched On discussed how Microsoft is preparing for a similar transition in Windows 8. Both OS X Lion and Windows 8 seek to mix elements of a tablet UI with elements of a desktop UI or -- putting it another way -- a finger-friendly touch interface with a mouse-driven interface. If Apple and Microsoft could wave a wand and magically have all apps adapt overnight so they could leave a keyboard and mouse behind, they probably would. Since they can't, though, inconsistency prevails. Yet, while the OS X-iOS mashup that is Lion exhibits is share of growing pains, the fall-off effect isn't as pronounced as it appears it will be for Windows 8. The main reasons for this are, in order of increasing importance, legacy, hardware, and Metro.

  • Is Windows Media Center not dead after all?

    by 
    Ben Drawbaugh
    Ben Drawbaugh
    07.31.2011

    When Microsoft dissolved the eHome team that developed Media Center and renamed the MVP program to Windows Entertainment and Connected Home, there was some serious questions about the future of the product. While that question won't really be answered until September, when Microsoft is expected to reveal the feature complete beta at the company's Build Conference, a few leaked screen shots at TheGreenButton.tv show the same old Windows 7 Media Center running on Windows 8. We can't saw we're surprised, since all indications are that Windows 8 will be a dot-one release, in terms of compatibility with Vista and 7, so there's really no reason for Microsoft to pull it. We're not the only one who'd be surprised to see new features though, as everyone we know seems to agree it would be silly to think otherwise. The real scary\sad thing is that Windows 7 has been out for almost two years, and no other DVR has managed to match many of its features.

  • NTT DoCoMo's Fujitsu F-07C now available, marries Windows 7 and Symbian at last

    by 
    Brad Molen
    Brad Molen
    07.22.2011

    Calling the Fujitsu LOOX F-07C an eccentric device is not a stretch -- in fact, it's one of the more unique smartphones we've seen in a fair length of time. Now available on NTT DoCoMo, the dual-booting hybrid is touted as "the world's smallest PC," since it can switch between Windows 7 and Symbian and offers a few netbook-worthy specs. It runs off a 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z600 CPU (downclocked by 50 percent, unfortunately), a 32GB eMMC SSD, and 1GB LPDDR400 RAM, packed underneath a 4-inch SVGA (1024 x 600) LCD display. You can also take advantage of the 5-megapixel camera on the back, paired up with a VGA front-facing shooter. Things get a little strange when it comes to battery life, however; while you get up to 600 hours of standby time and 370 minutes of talk time in mobile phone mode, it gets sucked dry after just two hours when using Windows 7. If your smartphone just doesn't have enough brainpower to handle your daily grind, here's an alternative. Full press release with specs are after the break.

  • Microsoft Q4 FY11: revenue, earnings, and profits all up, beating expectations

    by 
    Tim Stevens
    Tim Stevens
    07.21.2011

    The news wasn't so good for Nokia this morning, but its new bedmate is in much, much better shape. Microsoft's Q4 earnings for the 2011 fiscal year have been posted, showing revenue of $17.37 billion -- up eight percent over the same period last year, and besting the $16.43 billion record Q3. That drove $5.87 billion in net income, which is a whopping 30 percent climb over the year previous. Looking back over the full year, revenue broke another record, clocking in at $69.94 billion, 12 percent higher than the year before. Why all the good news? Well, the Entertainment & Devices Division saw a 30 percent revenue jump in the quarter, 45 percent over the year, as the Xbox 360 and Kinect continue to sell like gangbusters. Bing and Online Services also had good news, 17 percent revenue growth in the quarter thanks to the plucky search engine gaining ever more ground against the competition. But, not everything is rosy, with the Windows-related revenue staying flat -- down one percent this quarter, two percent over the year. Windows 8 will surely turn things around on that front, though, right?

  • Lenovo intros 10.1-inch IdeaPad Tablet P1 with Windows 7, should've waited for Windows 8

    by 
    Darren Murph
    Darren Murph
    07.20.2011

    We know, we know -- Windows 8 isn't splashing down on consumer devices for a good long while, but seriously, how's a boy to get excited about something that's already old hat? And moreover, something that has never, ever worked out. Every single Windows 7 tablet that we've tested has suffered a similar fate: too bulky, too sluggish, not longevous enough and too difficult to to operate sans a keyboard and mouse. That said, Lenovo's providing a darkhorse option for those uninterested in its duo of new Honeycomb tablets, with the IdeaPad Tablet P1 bringing Windows 7 into a familiar 10.1-inch shell. Within, you'll find a 1.5GHz Intel processor, a 1280 x 800 capacitive touchpanel, up to 2GB of DDR2 memory, up to 64GB of SSD storage, built-in Bluetooth / 3G / WiFi, a USB 2.0 connector, microSD card slot and a docking port. You'll also get an integrated 2 megapixel webcam up front, support for stylus input and an enclosure that's 14.5mm thick; for perspective, the absolutely delectable Galaxy Tab 10.1 measures just 10.9mm from top to bottom. The company's giving you the option of snagging this in silver-gray or "Clementine Orange," the latter of which is obviously the frontrunner in the race to awesome. The sealed two-cell battery is said to be good for six hours of use, compared to the 8.7 hours that the same cell gets while situated in the Android-powered K1. Lenovo's not serving up pricing details on this one just yet, but you can look forward to not looking forward to its Q4 2011 arrival. %Gallery-128423%