Android Tablets on Show by Foxconn and Hardkernel

Two 10.1-inch touchscreen tablet designs that run Google's mobile Android software are on display at the Computex electronics show in Taipei, one from Foxconn Technology and the other by Hardkernel.

The tablet from Foxconn is a reference design made to show vendors what kind of tablets could be put into production quickly, and uses Nvidia's Tegra chipset inside. Few details about the reference design were available. Foxconn is the trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry, the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronic devices.

The other tablet is a product from South Korea's Hardkernel named the Odroid-T, and uses a Samsung Electronics' S5PC110 1GHz chipset. The devices includes external GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, a Micro-SD slot, standard SHCH slot and more. The company's Web site says it will be available in June, but does not list a price.

Both devices used Android version 2.1 and the Hardkernel model ran more smoothly. The company appears to have tweaked the Android software to run better on tablets. Android was designed by Google for smartphones.

The chipsets on both devices were both designed for high definition and 3D video, which companies believe will be important for the tablet market because people will watch a lot of video on the devices.

Over a dozen tablets designed to compete with Apple's iPad are on display at Computex this week, mainly with Android or Windows 7 software.

[via PCWorld]

Android Tablets on Show by Foxconn and Hardkernel

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Microsoft May Cut Zune Streaming Music Price

Microsoft Corp., the world’s largest software maker, may cut the monthly fee it charges for streaming music on its Zune portable player, senior product manager Terry Farrell said in an interview.

Zune Pass, which features unlimited music streaming and 10 song downloads a month, now costs $14.99. Farrell didn’t say by how much Microsoft may cut the service’s price.

"It’s definitely a challenging business," Farrell said, referring to competition in online music.

Microsoft is contending with rivals that offer music at little or no charge, while striving to erode Apple Inc.’s lead in the market for digital music players and downloadable songs. RealNetworks Inc.’s Rhapsody service in April slashed the monthly price of a premium music service to $10 from $14.99.

Zune had 2 percent of the U.S. digital music player market in the first quarter, compared with 76 percent for Apple products, according to NPD Group Inc., a Port Washington, New York-based researcher.

Users can access Microsoft’s download service on personal computers and the company’s Zune players and Kin phones. The company plans to offer the service on smartphones running its Windows Phone 7 software later this year, Farrell said.

[via Bloomberg]

Microsoft May Cut Zune Streaming Music Price

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Dell Inspiron 14: Balancing Power with Fine Tuned Design

Lighter than its predecessor and offering a sleeker design, the Dell Inspiron i1464-4382OBK weighs less than 5 pounds and measures just 1.27" thin. Upon opening the Inspiron 14, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the brushed metal appearance of the palm rest before being amazed by the high-definition 14" display with native 720p resolution. Other features include a 7-in-1 memory card reader, up to 4 hours of battery life, and an HDMI port that lets you connect your laptop to a compatible HDTV or external monitor for uncompressed high-def video and audio.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

The total package includes the Dell Inspiron i1464-4382OBK, rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed documentation. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with mail-in service (after remote diagnosis) and 24/7 phone support.

The centrally located, easy-to-use Dell Support Center application offers provides personalized support resources. Conveniently located on your PC's desktop with quick links to service, support and system resources. You'll be able to keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently through automated fixes for common configuration issues.

Purchase the Dell Inspiron 14 via Amazon.com and save big, while supplies last.

Dell Inspiron 14: Balancing Power with Fine Tuned Design

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Top 5 Netbooks Currently Available

Netbooks are perfect for school, work, and wherever else you may travel, all while meeting your basic computing needs, including e-mail, web surfing, and simple document creation. But more importantly, these lower-powered machines cost much less than standard-issue laptops. I have researched many netbooks on the web and have consolidated this list down to the top five currently available on the market based on consumer ratings and units sold.


1. ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

Catapult to the forefront of technology with ASUS's Eee PC 1000HE, the first netbook to feature the Intel Atom N280 processor. With up to 9.5 hours of battery life, the 1000HE enables you to bring internet and multimedia wherever you go, without a power cord. Furthermore, its 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, 3.2 pound lightweight chassis, flush fitting battery pack, and large ergonomic chiclet keyboard will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort and style for hours on end. Its generous 160GB hard drive, along with an additional 10GB of Eee Online Storage, will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere.

2. Toshiba Mini NB305-N310

With a new sleeker design and up to 11 hours of battery life, the affordable, super-compact Toshiba Mini NB305 weighs less than 3 pounds, is small enough to throw in a purse or bag, and offers a brightly colorful 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen. It features a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing and a larger touchpad with Multi-Touch Control, which enables you to navigate documents, web pages and images more easily. Additionally, the Toshiba Mini NB305 also features the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, 160GB hard drive protected using an integrated 3D impact sensor, and a USB Sleep-and-Charge port, which allows external USB devices such as cell phones and portable media players to charge from the netbook even when it is turned off.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X100E

The Lenovo ThinkPad X100E is cool and confident with a slick new design and bold color options. But make no mistake, the X100e is all ThinkPad—reliable, rock-solid and well-equipped. Best of all, it's the most affordable ThinkPad ever. The ISO full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard combines the legendary ThinkPad feel with a contemporary look for a simplified user experience. ThinkPad X100E also features an 11.6" HD display, the familiar TrackPoint pointing device and a multitouch touchpad that lets you easily zoom, scroll and rotate using simple two-finger gestures. This globally available and reliable netbook comes standard with worry-free corporate OS support, robust warranties, ThinkVantage Technologies and a powerful AMD processor, ideal for entrepreneurs and students alike.

4. Gateway LT2119u

The ultra-portable design of the Gateway LT netbook is ideal for those on the go who need a quick, easy way to connect to the Internet. Weighing less than 3 pounds, it features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display and an easy typing keyboard. The Gateway LT has a luxurious look with a high-polished finish, rounded edges, silver hinges and engraved metallic logo. Plus, its textured palm rest hides fingerprints and wears much better than glossy-finished palm rests, making it as durable as it is chic. Combining the power of the Intel Atom N450 processor and NM10 Express chipset with a 6-cell battery, this Gateway model provides up to 10 hours of battery life. The LT2119u uses a very large 250GB hard drive, which is one of the advantages of the new Windows 7 licensing terms that will help people who need to store more data. It also features a multi-gesture touchpad that enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers for an intuitive navigation of web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

5. Samsung N150

Delivering exquisite style while ensuring you have less to carry while staying within your budget, the Samsung N150 netbook features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, and up to 7 hours of battery life. It is perfect for getting work done on the go, sports a 93% full-size keyboard for easy typing as well as a webcam for staying in contact with friends and family, and with integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi, you'll be able to connect to the Internet at home or in your town's hotspot(s). With a host of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader and three USB 2.0 ports, you can easily move data from your digital camera, camcorder, MP3 player or PDA straight to your netbook. At a mere 2.7 lbs, you can pick up and go at a moment’s notice, and the 7 hours of battery life makes it good for most of your day.

Top 5 Netbooks Currently Available

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