Google’s lightweight operating system Chrome is rumored to be on its way to the tablet market courtesy of HTC, the same manufacturer Google partnered with on the failed Nexus One handset. A report on Downloadsquad citing an anonymous source indicates that the HTC Chrome tablet will hit the market this November.
Netbooks are cheaper and sleeker than other types of computers, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll want to replace them within weeks of buying. Also, netbooks are just large enough to make them uncomfortable and unwieldy to carry around. You could use your existing laptop or messenger bag to transport your netbook, but netbook-specific cases and bags capitalize on the smaller size of netbooks, letting you protect and carry your netbook without any unnecessary bulk. There are plenty of options for under $30, so price doesn’t have to be a factor.
Netbook cases come in a variety of styles and sizes. The market offers shoulder bags, Neoprene sleeves and backpack cases. Here are a few specific styles and models.
Built NY Neoprene Sleeve:–Though it’s labeled a laptop bag, this Built NY sleeve is designed for devices from 7 to 10 inches, making it a netbook bag. The thin sleeve covers and protects your netbook while providing you with an hourglass shape that is easy to carry. You can find this colorfully decorated sleeve for as little as $15–a functional, minimalistic netbook option.
Targus TSS112US 10.2 Crave Shoulder Bag–Crafted from water-resistant nylon, the Targus TSS112US bag offers protection from all the hazards of the daily commute: drops, scratches, dings, rain, etc. Further, the soft, microfiber sleeve instead keeps your netbook free from abrasion. This bag also includes a front pocket for quick access to accessories. It fits netbooks up to 10.2 inches. This one could be yours for only $20.
CityGear TSM097US–Another option for netbooks up to 10.2 inches, the CityGear TSM097US is more of a full-on messenger bag designed for storing not only a netbook, but power adapter, accessories, pens and a cell phone. Pen loops and a cell phone sleeve keep your gear in order while a removable, padded shoulder strap and a handle make it easy to carry. There are also pockets on front and back. This one costs only $24.
Due to their portable form factor, netbooks are an obvious choice for on-the-go multimedia. There’s only one problem: many netbooks aren’t equipped with graphics capabilities needed to support HD video. If you want HD, then you’ll want to carefully select a device that has a graphics card like the Nvidia Ion or Ion 2. To make your job a little easier, here are some top choices that offer HD playback.
Amazon has long set the bar for e-reader pricing with its $259 Kindle, the most popular e-reader on the market. When Barnes & Noble introduced its Nook device last fall, it followed suit and offered it at the very same $259 price range. Recently the market got a big shake-up when both Barnes & Noble and Amazon slashed prices on their respective e-readers.
Barnes & Noble was the first to announce a price drop to$199 for its Nook e-reader. In addition to this drop, B&N introduced a Wi-Fi-only model that it plans to sell for just $149. The original Nook features both Wi-Fi and 3G for convenient, on-the-go reading, but the new reader is designed to appeal to consumers that spend most of their time reading at home or in another Wi-Fi-equipped location.
Not long after B&N dropped prices, Amazon dropped its Kindle down to $189. Amazon didn’t introduce any new models, but the Kindle offers both 3G and Wi-Fi at a slightly cheaper price than the Nook.
Borders recently introduced several simple, inexpensive e-readers that it started carrying this month. The Kobo e-reader retails for $150 and offers a six-inch E-ink display, 100 preloaded classics, 1 GB worth of storage, SD card slot and USB. The Libre, which ships in July, is even cheaper at $120 and includes a five-inch, reflective light LCD screen, 100 preloaded classics, SD card slot and USB connection. Both models support Borders soon-to-launch e-bookstore. Neither model offers Wi-Fi or 3G.
After Amazon and Barnes & Noble dropped their prices, Borders announced that it will offer a $20 gift certificate with purchase of a Kobo.
In other words, now’s the time to start shopping e-readers.
Photo: MrBill
Erasing sensitive files on your is simple enough, right? Simply delete your files, send them to the recycling bin and all your sensitive information has disappeared into digital oblivion.
Unfortunately, this is a common myth. In actuality, it is not that simple. Deleting your files on the computer doesn’t completely destroy the information, it basically cuts communication between that data and the operating system, freeing up the space to be written over. However, with a little bit of time and software, someone would have no problem recovering your data.
Dell has been slowly offering information on its Streak all year, through both official announcements and leaks, and the company has finally announced concrete availability and pricing information. It didn’t give us much time to prepare, either: the Streak will hit the market this Friday (August 13) and will cost $550. If you don’t mind getting tied down to a two-year contract with AT&T, you can get your Streak for $300. Unfortunately, for those trying to escape AT&T, the $550 price will NOT buy an unlocked version; you’ll still be limited to AT&T.
The Streak is a somewhat unique product that falls in the void between smartphone and tablet. It’s 5-inch touchscreen makes it larger than big, 4-inch smartphones, but smaller than the average tablet (the iPad has a 9.7-inch screen, for instance). Dell’s attempting to offer a tablet device that offers a little more screen space than a smartphone for all your multimedia needs but more pocket-sized portability than a full tablet. So far, it’s working, with the company stating that it’s been the most successful pre-sale it’s ever offered. We’ll see if it actually translates those pre-orders into a successful launch.
Underneath the 5-inch touchscreen, a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is providing the horsepower, while Android 1.6 will take on shifting duties. Dell has said that Android 2.2 will be offered as an upgrade later this year. Other specs include a 5-megapixel camera, front-facing camera for video calls and connectivity via 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
So what do you think? Intriguing iPad competitor, or too niche for its own good? If you answered the former, you can pre-order at Dell’s website. Otherwise, it’s back to waiting for the next tablet.
Via GadgetCrave
There’s no question that Microsoft’s latest operating system offers a marked improvement over its last iteration. In order to get the aesthetic up to the performance, many users like to customize settings within Windows 7. However, if you’ve just purchased the software, trying to customize can be the equivalent of fumbling around for a light switch in a new apartment. You don’t know where to look, aren’t sure how best to proceed and are likely to endure some form of pain if you aren’t careful. Here’s a quick tutorial on customizing Windows 7.
The Fourth of July is behind us, which means that summer 2010 is fully underway. The sun is shining, the ocean is warm and it’s time to dedicate more time to being in the great outdoors.
Just because you’re outside, doesn’t mean that you won’t need some gadgets and accessories to get you through the summer. Gadgets can make life outside just a little more pleasant, so consider getting a few of these handy accessories.
E-Readers–Now is the perfect time to buy an e-reader. Leave those worn down paperbacks on the book shelf and bring a whole library worth of books on your next beach or camping trip. Purchase an e-reader with an E-ink display for good visibility in the bright sun and enjoy reading wherever the road takes you. There’s never been a better time to buy with cheap, new e-readers hitting the market, and prices dropping on established leaders like the Amazon Kindle.
Cell Phone and MP3 Cases–Now’s the time when you’ll need the most protection from drops, splashes and dings. Whether running on the boardwalk or swimming laps in the pool, your cell phone, iPod or other portable gadgets are under constant threat of water, wind, earth and fire. Well, maybe not fire, but you get the idea. Find a waterproof, shockproof case and keep your investment protected from damage.
New Cell Phone–Okay, this may not technically be a summer essential, but I can’t recall a more interesting time to buy a cell phone. The top end of the market has really exploded this summer with devices like the first 4G-equipped HTC EVO, the iPhone 4 and the recently-announced Motorola Droid X. It might just be time to upgrade.
A few other odds and ends to consider this summer are new cameras, camcorders and outdoor speakers/iPod docks for your summer BBQs. Also, 3DTV is the hot, new technology of the summer; are you equipped to handle it?
Originally called Project Natal when it was previewed at E3 in 2009, Microsoft’s motion-based gaming package has finally gotten a price tag. It will cost $150 when it goes on sale this fall, just in time for the holiday season.
The $150 package will offer the Kinect sensor and Kinect Adventures. This package will work as an add-on to existing Xbox 360 consoles. For those that don’t have a console (or want a new one), Microsoft will also offer a bundled package with the Xbox 360 4GB, Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” for $299.
Preordering began earlier this week and Kinect will hit retailers November 4.
Kinect updates the Microsoft Xbox 360 for Wii-like motion-based gaming. Unlike Nintendo’s console, however, the Kinect system doesn’t require any controllers, and relies on the Kinect sensor to track and register gamer motions.
Additional Kinect titles like “Kinectimals,” “Kinect Sports,” and “Kinect JoyRide,” will cost $49 each.
PlayStation will also be coming out with its Move system this holiday season. The Move package costs $100 for the controller, camera and a game title, while the package with the PS3 system is $400. Additional controllers cost $50 and the smaller navigation controller costs $30. Move will hit stores in late September.
What do you think–do you like the $150 price tag or will you be going for the PlayStation Move?
There has been a veritable swarming of big, publicity-making electronic releases this spring and summer, making for one of the hottest electronics markets in recent memory. From the world’s overwhelming favorite tablet–the iPad–to 3DTV–to revolutionary handsets like the iPhone 4 and HTC EVO, there are a ton of lusty gadgets on and nearing the market. To put your own personal mark on one of these popular devices or take its functionality to the next level, here are some accessories to consider.
iPad Keyboards–Swiping your 10 digits around a touchscreen is certainly ample for multimedia on the go, but if you want to do any serious typing or Web scouring, your fingers will quickly cramp from a flat, glossy, virtual keypad. For those occasions, equip your iPad with a keyboard and bring the comforts of home to your favorite portable. From folding models to the official Apple dock, we’ve got a full selection of iPad keyboards.
iPad 4 Cases–From its sharp display to its new FaceTime video chat application, the latest iPhone has been a rousing success–except for that little pr crisis surrounding reception issues. Apple has now officially admitted that there’s a problem and the only solution is to add a case and cover up the problem point. You should check with Apple for your free case first, but if they’re not offering anything you like, shop around and add a little style while boosting your bars with any of these iPhone 4 cases.
HDMI Cable for HTC EVO–With its 4.3-inch screen and kickstand, the HTC EVO is already one of the greatest multimedia powerhouses on the market in terms of cell phones. Add an HDMI cable and you can output the photos and HD video to a television, enjoying your favorite photos and video clips on a bigger screen.
