Articles in the laptops Category
Software, laptops »
I wrote a piece for the Sunday Times published today about the emergence of the smartbooks – netbooks which use mobile processors and Linux/Google operating systems instead of the usual Wintel duopoly. I drafted the specs from the info provided and e-mailed it back to the computer company for them to confirm the specs. Everything was in order, except the OS part which the PR wanted me to
“pls state OS to be ‘comprising of a customer user interface layer, built on a custom Linux-based OS.”
In other words, a Linux OS. “That’s rubbish” was my response and I simply told him/her that the sentence was a total waste of valuable space on the newspaper. He/she said he/she did not understand why I used the word rubbish and went on to send me more info:
Q. What is the OS for Skylight and why did you choose it?
A. The Skylight User experience is comprised of a custom UI layer built on a custom Linux base OS. The average user will not be aware that the OS is based on Linux. We chose this approach because it provided the flexibility to deliver a simple, discoverable, and fun gadget based way of presenting web applications and media.
Q: Is this a Lenovo Operating System?
A: That depends on your definition of “Operating System”. We have created a unique software stack optimized to achieve a specific user experience focused on web applications, media and cloud computing. The focus of our investments have been on the User Interface layer.
Q: What did you base the OS on?
A: Lenovo’s Skylight Interface runs on Embedded Linux. ThunderSoft is Lenovo’s Linux System Integrator.
Q: Are you working with a Linux distribution partner? Who is it?
A: Yes Thundersoft. Lenovo recognized the value of running Linux as a base platform for the Skylight User Interface for everything from performance to extensive customization. This allowed us to pick the best and most appropriate elements to solve the SmartBook equation. An extensive team of partners along with internal development teams from Lenovo and Qualcomm worked together to pick, customize and create what we needed to provide a world-class solution.
Yes my friend. It is still a Linux OS.
Featured, iphone, laptops »
I was just gushing down a bowl of extremely salty French Onion soup at TGIF near the Marriot Grand Hotel in Moscow where I am staying when I saw Jobs flashing the iPad in some Russian news channel. That was enough for me to spend the next 90 minutes watching Job’s keynote.
Two things struck me from the iPads launch today:
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Apple is really going into a closed lock-down system.
The iPad will be utilising Apple’s new 1GHz processor (Apple now totally owns the hardware and the OS).
It also launched iWorks (competitor to MS Office) for US$9.99 for each of the spreadsheet, presentation and word processor software (called numbers, keynote and something else I cant remember) It also launched iBooks – an e-book reader and store. With App Store and iTunes Music Store, now Apple also owns the software and services platform.
Apple struck a deal with AT&T for adding 3G at US$29.99 per month for unlimited access. So like the iPhone, you are stuck again with a specific telco. And my guess is the two will work together to lock-in consumers and share the money.
It looks like the Apple way is increasingly becoming a closed, lock-down system. I dont like lock-down systems and it sure makes Microsoft (who only controlled the OS and the apps and tried with the browser) look like an angel in comparison.
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Is the iPad simply a glorified smartphone?
Yes, it did look cool watching Jobs spin the thing round, but what exactly is the Apple 1GHz processor? Early rumours are swirling that it is simply one of the many 1GHz ARM processors (ARM licences its processor tech to people like Nvidia and Qualcomm to make smartphone processors) around. The same architecture that powers the Google Nexus One smartphone. But can it be powerful enough to support a mini-laptop? In case you are still wondering why the iPad does not support the ability to run multiple apps at the same time, perhaps this is the answer!
laptops »
It’s not called the “thinnest and lightest Vaio” for no good reason.
The Vaio X, Sony’s shiny new Atom-based netbook, went on display today, as the Japanese electronics maker took the wraps off its Fall 2009 lineup of Vaio PCs globally.
At the Singapore launch, Techgoondu managed to get a quick hands-on with the much-awaited Vaio X, which is one of the most eye-catching netbooks this goondu has seen so far.
GPS/maps, PCs, laptops »
… is still a netbook.
Yes, I am talking about Nokia’s Booklet 3G, the cellphone giant’s first mini laptop. If you needed the surest sign of the convergence between smartphones and laptops, details of Nokia’s new gizmo are it.
Unveiled hours ago, the 1.25kg Booklet 3G will feature the usual compact screen (a 10-incher here) first made famous by the first netbooks in the shape of Asus’ Eee PC. Nokia’s small machine will also feature an Intel Atom processor and run Microsoft Windows – standard fare now in netbooks.
So, is this another “me too” product from Nokia, long after the first two waves of netbooks have come from Taiwanese electronics makers and then “A-brand” PC makers?
laptops »
When I first saw pictures of the new HP Pavilions launched here today, I wasn’t surprised to see more sleek, shiny models to follow the recent trend in skinny laptops. Nope, not even the one-inch-thin girth, attractive as it is, fired up my imagination.
Rather, it’s the price. The new HP Pavilion dv2 entertainment lappies start from just S$1,299 – a “surprisingly affordable” offer, says HP.
For once, I have to agree with a press release – slim just hasn’t been cheap for full-fledged laptops (not counting low-power Netbooks).
Geek Buys, LCD TV, Printers, laptops »
Are we in the worst recession since the 1930s? Doesn’t seem like it when you see the long lines of people waiting to sign up for a StarHub line or those snapping up LCD TVs like there was no tomorrow at the IT Show.
When I turned up at around noon, the Suntec area was was already a nightmare to drive around. Was going to give up after being stuck in my car, when I finally managed to enter Marina Square from the back (near Ritz Carlton), and guess what, there were dozens of empty carpark lots. Amazing how the security folks just happily block off all the carparks in the area and list them as “full”.
Anyway, I walked around and found some bargains – not downright dirt cheap, but somewhat tempting, especially if you are in the market for some of these gadgets.
Geek Buys, Singapore, Storage, laptops »
Do check out Part I if you haven’t done so!
At every computer show I always check out memory card prices just to see how much they have fallen. Here’s what I spotted at the Kingston booth at Hall 6.
For a comparison, look at some of the memory card prices from last November’s Sitex.
Prices of memory cards, especially the 8GB and 16GB varieties, have fallen. The 8GB micro SD has dropped from around $32 to $25 and the 16GB micro SD from $112 to $84.
Cameras, Geek Buys, LCD TV, Singapore, laptops »
It’s that time of the year again when the biggest consumer computer show — IT Show ‘09 — hits Singapore.
Running from March 12th to 15th (today to this Sunday), the IT Show takes up floors one to six of the Suntec convention centre. The show opens daily at 12pm and ends at 9pm during this four-day period.
IT Show is really huge this year. All three Singapore telcos have big booths. M1 and SingTel are on floor 2, and StarHub is on floor 3. Floor 4 is the main hall with all the big consumer brands like HP, Canon and Samsung, whilst floor 6 hosts all the small chapalang IT gadgets vendors, from computer games to memory cards to GPS gadgets.
It might be a down economy, but it sure didn’t seem like it as the place was thronged with people this morning when I went. In certain places — especially on the fourth floor near the popular booths — you will get stuck in a human traffic jam trying to squeeze past the milling crowd. This weekend will be a nightmare to find parking if you’re visiting the show, so public transport is advised.
laptops »
Gosh, it must be almost four months since the NC10 landed here in Hong Kong and it’s now easily available the big electronic chain stores here like Broadway. I just had a quick glance from the branch near my office and the retail price was HK$3990. When it was first launched, it was initially available only in white, but now, its available in dark and light blue, pink as well as black.
A pity that SG still doesn’t have it. My wife’s sis got one here as a Xmas present and I had a good look at it – with my wife’s Asus Eee PC 1000H right next to it, and it immediately made my wife give up her loyalty for the Asus.
Cellphones, laptops »
This Valentine’s Day, one way to impress your girlfriend or wife (or maybe even a guy friend) is to buy a pink gadget.
Going by the press releases we’ve got of late, technology firms seem to be on a roll in coming up with that pink gizmo to fit a girl’s tastes.
Sony Ericsson is one. Three of its popular phone models now come in pink, encased in faceplates that used to be “professional” black/white/silver (maybe it got feedback that these colours were too “man” or “boring” for the ladies).
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