dell

Larger netbooks make Intel nervous

Paul Mah — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:01:46 -0500

Just in case you are not yet aware, netbooks with larger displays are now available for purchase, such as Dell's Inspiron Mini 12. And Intel is nervous about it--despite the fact that most of these machines will probably use Intel's own Atom processor. The reason is clear: Intel sees netbooks as the solution for users who are unable to afford a laptop. The reality, however, is that many people are buying netbooks as their primary machine, which is cannibalizing sales from Intel's normal dual core machines.

One strategy that Intel has adopted, according to TechCrunch, is to keep netbooks the underdog by crippling them with display sizes of 10 inches or less. As Intel VP Stu Pann was quoted saying last year, "If you've ever used a netbook and used a 10-inch screen size, it's fine for an hour. It's not something you're going to use day in and day out."

When confronted on whether Intel forbids manufacturers from building larger than 10 inch screens, Intel's official stance is that a netbook has a screen that is 10 inches or smaller. The official statement goes along the lines of: "We recommend that OEMs and netbook manufacturers use that guideline as well, in order to get the best user experience."

However, the arrival of competitors such as Via's Nano chip, will probably have Intel relenting, or manufacturers going for the Nano chip instead. As it is, netbooks with displays of 13 inches or more will soon be available.

To read more on the article:
- check out this article from TechCrunch

Overheated iPod batteries reported in Japan

Paul Mah — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:53:46 -0400

A report from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says that there have been cases of iPods overheating and scorching nearby materials. While the exact cause of the overheating wasn't mentioned, it is not hard to imagine that it is likely related to malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. At the moment, the Japanese government is only issuing a warning to iPod Nano owners to beware about overheating, in particular when charging.

The associated risk of lithium-ion batteries overheating is a long-running one. Laptop providers such as Apple, HP, Dell and others have, on occasion, issued recalls for batteries at great expenses. Apple's Japanese office did not have an immediate comment on this issue.

For more about overheated iPod batteries:
- check out the article from InformationWeek

Dell unveils new business laptops

Paul Mah — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:01:04 -0400

Dell announced seven new Latitude notebooks earlier this week aimed squarely at business people that prefer to work via a laptop. Under development for the last two years, some features that can be found in these new Latitudes include a dedicated security subsystem to protect data, and longer battery life to the tune of 19 hours on one of the models.

What is interesting is that they also include proprietary technology that allows immediate access to features such as web, email and calendaring, all without having to "boot up the system completely." Additional details are not available at the moment, though it has been reported to involve the use of a separate low-voltage processor that bypasses the main operating system altogether. In this mode, the laptop could apparently run for several days.

For more on the story:
- check out this article from InformationWeek

ALSO NOTED: Lotus Notes comes to the iPhone; Windows Mobile coming to MIDs;

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:59:50 -0400

> Sybase iAnywhere brings Lotus Notes to the iPhone. Article
> T-Mobile nabs the BlackBerry Pearl 8120. Article
> Adobe is developing a Flash player for the iPhone. Article (sub. req.)
> Windows Mobile coming to MIDs. Article
> Opera gets official on the Helio Ocean. Article
> REDFLY mobile companion gets pawed. Article

And Finally... Dell handset rumors persist. Article

QUICKLINKS: 802.11n already dead?; Dell sees mobile growth;

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:59:55 -0400

> 802.11n already dead? Article

> Nokia/Siemens network troubles? Article

> Dell sees mobile growth. Article

> $2.6B iPhone lawsuit. Article

Wireless USB is here

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Wireless communications just get faster and faster. Now, they've hit true USB speeds as the first products from D-Link, Dell, Lenovo and IO-Gear have been certified for wireless USB 1.0 performance. Certified Wireless USB can move data across a 3-meter gap at 480 Mbps, and will cover 10 meters at 110 Mbps. Initial products include wireless USB adapters and 4-port wireless USB hubs, with computers from Dell and Lenovo featuring native Wireless USB.

For more on Wireless USB:
- see this DailyTechRag story
- and read this news story at Newsfactor

QUICKLINKS: Wireless net for Sacramento hits a big roadblock; Dell, Vodaphone partner for faster broadband for laptops; Much mo

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:00:50 -0400

Wireless net for Sacramento hits a big roadblock. Article

Dell, Vodaphone collaborate on faster mobile broadband for laptops. Article

Mobile phone chip maker sees only robust market ahead. Article

Stockholm moves to set up special cell phone use zones. Article

The obstacles facing mobile device use during flights. Article

Laptops that take wireless to the max

Sun, 02 Apr 2006 20:01:37 -0400

Dell is the latest vendor to grab bleeding-edge wireless technologies and integrate them into its laptop product line. The Latitude D620 and D820 both now feature optional built-in connectivity to wireless broadband technology. It will allow enterprises to choose services among cellular carriers, including Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless in the U.S. and Vodafone in Europe. While 3G high-speed network connectivity is still pretty limited and often not available in many cities, the laptops do support Verizon's Evolution Data Only and Cingular's High Speed Downlink Packet Access data transmission specs. The price point for the new device and wireless capabilities isn't too bad, averaging about $200 plus the service plan cost. In addition, the devices boast built-in 802.11b/g WiFi and a function called the Wi-Fi Catcher, which helps users detect WiFi hotspots without booting up the machine. Article

Laptop hog-wild with wireless capabilities

Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:01:37 -0500

Dell is taking its laptops wireless and planning to debut Latitude notebooks featuring Wireless EV-DO and mobile broadband modules from Novatel Wireless. Users will be able to wirelessly transmit emails, gain access to corporate networks using a VPN, roam the Internet and share files. The embedded modules are backward compatible with 2.5G and 2G wireless standards, including GSM, GPRS, CDMA and 1xRTT. Article