Nokia N96

The exceptionally powerful features oriented Nokia N96 mobile handset will make you realise of using a truly high-tech mobile gadget and enhance your style statement as well by its highly gorgeous look. This 3G network compatible mobile handset will enable you to fulfil all your modern communication, entertainment and business requirements. For its class 32 GPRS and EDGE technologies with WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML enabled Web browser, you will be able to access the Web at a high-speed and with extreme sophistication. For establishing a faster and hassle-free connectivity with other devices the Nokia N96 mobile handset provides you advanced connectivity technologies including WLAN, A2DP enabled Bluetooth and microUSB port. The Nokia N96 also proves its superiority in terms of providing multiple advanced entertainment features, including a 5 mega pixels camera, a high-end media player, RDS enabled stereo FM radio and many more.

Dell Vostro A90 Netbook

Dell is ready to release its latest netbook in the form of the Vostro A90 in the Japanese market. Available in nine different colors, the netbook is based on the Inspiron Mini 9 netbook and features an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor, a 8.9 inch LCD display (1,024 x 600 resolution), 1GB RAM, 8GB solid state drive, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This portable gadget is powered by Windows XP OS and retails for a hefty $972 (after conversion). However, I still want to choose Asus Eee PC rather than this expensive netbook.

Latest Release Super Small Netbook By Imovio

Here is the new and smallest netbook from Imovio. Dubbed as the iKIT, it comes equipped with a 2.8 inch display screen, 64MB RAM, Full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 0.3MP webcam, one USB 2.0 port, SD memory card slot and Bluetooth support. This Linux-powered netbook will be pre-loaded with some applications including instant messaging, a media player, Opera Mini and a contact manager.

New HP Pavilion HDX Notebook

An extraordinary laptop at a very affordable price comes from HP with High Definition content support and an impressively stylish titanium liquid metallic finish.
HP Pavilion HDX 16T Premium is available at just $1,050 with optional Blu-ray drive, 1080p High Definition display at 16-inch diagonal, and the HP Fluid Imprint.

This powerful entertainment mobile computer features also home theater audio capability, built-in TV tuner as an option, and many, many others.
You can customize it with Windows Vista Home Premium operating system including Service Pack 1, or Vista Ultimate 64-bit with SP1, and after that mix an Intel Core 2 Duo processor from the P or T series, either clocked at 2GHz, or something faster up to 2.80GHz via the T9600 model.
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The laptop sports an Ultra BrightView Infinity display and there are 2 resolutions available for you to choose from: 1366 x 768 pixels and 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Next, the memory slots support up to 4GB of DDR2 2 Dimm, and the graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with no less than 512MB dedicated memory, supporting the latest video games with no problem.
Other components include up to 320GB HDD storage with ProtectSmart security, fingerprint reader, web camera, microphone, wireless N card from Intel, Bluetooth, a DVD burner with LightScribe, and a 6-cell Li-Ion battery.

Coming back to the sound, the laptop integrates 4 high-quality panel-mounted Altec Lansing speakers and a subwoofer for an outstanding sound while you are watching a movie, or playing the latest video game.

If you need to find out more about how high the price goes as you add more components, or see what software solutions come pre-installed on the laptop, and which of them are trial offers, check the official product’s page of the HP HDX 16t Premium series.

Asus Eee PC S101 aka EeeBook Air shipping early Nov to US

Those of you from the US (most of my traffic) that have been following the S101 from Asus will be excited to know you can get your mitts on one 'EeeBook Air' on November 1st according to Engadget. However, as you probably expected its gonna hit you where it hurts for USD699. Definitely up there in terms of netbook pricing.

What do you get for your buck? An Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, atte 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 LED backlit display, Wireless-N, Bluetooth 2.0, multi-card reader, multi-touch touchpad, a VGA webcam, and Windows XP. There won't be a Linux option offered in the States. Total weight is only 2.3 pounds and as for storage? Apparently Yanks are getting a hybrid storage in the form of 16GB SSD and a 30GB HDD. I guess that leaves room to upgrade down either SSD or HDD path depending on which medium you prefer.

Expensive? Yes. Attractive? Yes. Good Value? Definitely.

Note: no Linux versions for the states.

Intel planning Montevina Refresh notebook platform for April next year

Intel is planning to introduce the Montevina Refresh for notebooks in April, according to sources at notebook makers.

The company will launch two processors along with the new platform, the Core 2 Duo T9900 and P8800.

For the chipset segment, Intel is planning to launch the GM47 for the high-end in the first quarter of 2009, while in July or August the company will launch the GL43 for entry-level notebooks and GS40 for small form factor (SFF) PC.

The GM55 mobile chipset (Ibexpeak-M) for Intel's next-generation Calpella platform for notebooks is scheduled to launch by July or August next year.

In related news, Intel plans to launch several processors for the Centrino 2 platform including the Core 2 Quad Q9600 and Core 2 Duo T9800, T9550, P9600, P8700, SP9600, SL9600 and SU9600 processors. Intel will also launch dual-core Celeron T1700 and T1600 processors for the entry-level market before the end of this year. the fourth quarter this year.

Samsung M8800 (Samsung Bresson / Samsung Pixon) Update

We do have pretty detailed specifications of the new device, and the bad news is that it doesn't have a WVGA display that we had hoped for, just a 3.2" 240 x 400 pixel touch-sensitive panel in 16 million colours similar to that in the Samsung Omnia.

We can confirm that the M8800 has an 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash and autofocus, it also reportedly has VGA resolution video capture and image stabilisation.

This is a 3.5G device with support for HSDPA high-speed data but no WiFi. The Samsung M8800 does appear to have a GPS receiver too, although the exact capabilities of this are not known. Other hardware features are microSD expandable memory, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0 and an FM radio.

We can also tell you that the Samsung M8800 supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, e-AAC+, WMA, 3GP, ASF, WMV and MPEG4 audio and video formats, it comes with an email client, web browser, RSS reader and document viewer.

The M8800 weighs 122 grams and measures 108 x 54 x 14mm (compare this with 112 x 57 x 13mm for the Omnia). The 1000 mAh battery provides up to 7 hours of talktime and 16 days standby time.

Motorola MOTO Q 11

The Motorola MOTO Q series is in danger of turning into Motorola's next RAZR. Over the past few years, we have seen several variations on the same design with no real leap forward in ideas.

So, this is the Motorola MOTO Q 11. It's a Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone with WiFi, a QVGA display and 3 megapixel fixed-focus camera, GPS, plus a full QWERTY keyboard. It's relatively lightweight at 115 grams, but there's not a lot going for it other than that.

It's a quad-band GSM device, but the Motorola MOTO Q 11 lacks 3G support. This either means that it's for the North American or Chinese market, or possibly that Motorola have forgotten how to add 3G support to a mobile phone.

Due to enormous bad timing, the MOTO Q11 was announced on the same day as the much more sexy BlackBerry Storm. So, the Q 11 really looks a bit dull in comparison.. except that the Q 11 does have WiFi, something missing from the BlackBerry. Motorola have bundled the Q 11 with something called Boingo Mobile to help find wireless hotspots.

Talktime is a useful 7.5 hours with up to 8 days standby time. Overall, the Motorola MOTO Q 11 measures 117 x 64 x 12mm, so it is slightly smaller than previous MOTO Q series phones.

The Motorola MOTO Q 11 is hardly going to set the world alight, but it looks like a good choice if you want a device like this and are not bothered about 3G support. The rumour is that the Q 11 will be out in December, although we don't have any more details on regional availability or cost.

HP iPAQ Data Messenger

The HP iPAQ Data Messenger is a touchscreen device that takes all of the features of the Voice Messenger and then adds a larger display and a QWERTY keyboard.

Still featuring high-speed 3.5G downloads and uploads, GPS, WiFi and a 3.1 megapixel camera, this iPAQ model comes with a large 2.8" 320 x 240 pixel touchscreen display, plus a pretty conventional looking slide-out keyboard.

The display is a 320 x 240 pixel panel, which is pretty average.. it would have been nice to see a VGA resolution display or better though, but the iPAQ Data Messenger's tri-band HSDPA and HSUPA data support partly make up for it.

At 160 grams in weight and 114 x 57 x 17mm in size, the Data Messenger is clearly bigger and heavier than the Voice Messenger, but for a touchscreen device like this it's pretty reasonable.

HP say that the recommended SIM-free price for the iPAQ Data Messenger is £399 (about €500) including tax, and it should start to be available from next month.

HP iPAQ Voice Messenger

It's about the same size and weight as a traditional monoblock phone, but one noticeable thing is the hybrid QWERTY / numeric keyboard, a little like the SureType keypad on the Pearl. The screen is a fairly standard 2.4" 240 x 320 pixel panel which is not touch-sensitive. The main interface control is a five-way optical navigation pad. If this isn't for you, fear not.. HP have a touch sensitive screen on the Data Messenger.

Despite the conventional looks, the iPAQ Voice Messenger is pretty loaded when it comes to features. Not only does the Voice Messenger have 3.5G HSDPA support, but it also comes with HSUPA capabilities for high-speed uploads, plus WiFi, tri-band 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz UMTS, quad-band GSM, GPRS and EDGE data. In other words, the HP iPAQ Voice Messenger should be able to get you some sort of high-speed data connection pretty much anywhere in the world.

There are lots of other features too - the Voice Messenger has GPS and Google Maps, plus a 30 day trial for a turn-by-turn satellite navigation application. The camera is surprisingly good for a Windows device, being a 3.1 megapixel unit with autofocus and LED flash. There's microSD expandable memory, Bluetooth and a USB connection too.

The operating system is Windows Mobile 6.1 standard plus a load of other applications such as the Opera web browser, Windows Media Player and Microsoft Office compatibility. If you're interested in the iPAQ Voice Messenger, then you will have a pretty good idea of what Windows Mobile can do.

HP suggest a SIM-free retail price of £333 (including tax) which works out at roughly €420. If taken with a new Vodafone contract, then you can expect it to be much cheaper. HP say that the iPAQ Voice Messenger should be available in November.

Nokia Announces 2228 Handset for CDMA Markets

This week Nokia has announced a unique, slender candybar device for its select global CDMA markets. The Nokia 2228 combines a slim 12-mm compact design and ultra light weight (72 grams, including battery) with some essential features, targeted for a stylish and practical consumer.

True multi-tasking is simple with the Nokia 2228 (CDMA 1x, 800 MHz). It’s an affordable 1.3 megapixel camera phone with a built-in Nokia media player, supporting most of the common digital formats (MP4 ,H.263, MIDI, MP3, AAC, AAC+). It comes with several modes of messaging to make sure you can reach out to your friends and family, whether your preferred means of communication is short or long message, image or music.

On top of all that, it comes with speaker dependent voice recognition, as well as an integrated handsfree speaker, and it can be used as a modem that allows you to use your phone to connect to a PC for Internet access.

The slender design features a unique lanyard hole that has an LED indicator that flashes with incoming calls or messages waiting. The LED indicator "pulses" in cycles at a user-defined interval or in the off mode, allowing you to always see if any messages await you.

Other features of the device include, Stereo FM radio, 20-25 MB end-user memory (depending on region), MicroUSB, 2.5 mm universal headset jack, WAP 2.0 /BREW 3.1.5 (supports OMA download), BL-4C 820mAh battery with a life expectancy of up to 3.5 hours of talk time and up to 10 days of standby time.

The Nokia 2228 is expected to launch in select CDMA markets in the fourth quarter of 2008.

G-Day minus 1 - and Google open sources Android

Google has announced that Android is now officially Open Source.
And while that might prompt some to whip out the soldering iron to start crafting their own Google Phone, for others it will still be quicker to buy a G1 on launch day. As we reported earlier, T-Mobile has said there's been big demand for the handset, with five times the usual amount of interest for other major handset launches on their website.

News from Mr Brier Dudley's blog over in Seattle is that doors will be opening from 7am Stateside, with stores receiving alocations of 60 handsets each - all of which are expected to be sold within the first two and a half hours. Some of those who pre-ordered have apparently already got theirs.

While the G1 launches here just a week after the US, T-Mobile UK hasn't been taking any pre-orders, with just a form to register interest on the website. What that implies for UK stocks come 30th October isn't clear but judging by the experience in the US, some good-old orderly British queuing might be necessary.

LG's cut-price Cookie brings touchscreens to the masses

In a launch ranking somewhere below the iPhone and somewhere above the usual pay-as-you-go dross, LG's given the KP500 its official UK announcement.

Dubbed the 'Cookie' it's, "an affordable touchscreen phone", for those who don't feel like shelling out for an iPhone/Bold/5800/Touch Diamond. At £159 with £10 credit on O2 PAYG, it won't break the bank but it still manages a 3in touchscreen, 3mp camera, FM radio and all the usual gubbins. Don't go looking for 3G, Wi-Fi or GPS, though, because they're not there. More details and the press release after the cut.

The user interface is similar to HTC's TouchFlo , with a collection of widgets on offer including an on-screen clock and memo pad. It also manages handwriting recognition. If you're more of a thumb-typer, there's also an on-screen keyboard that pops up automatically when the phone's turned, thanks to the built-on motion sensor. It'll be available from next month from Carphone Warehouse , just in for Xmas.

Asus to launch bamboo laptop and Eee Top touch-screen PC at Stuff Live show

It looks like Leon Bailey got in a bit of a muddle with his earlier story about Asus' plans for the Eee Top 1602 and bamboo notebook.

As stated, both products are being launched at the Stuff Live show at the end of October, but Leon's speculative abilities got a little out of hand, so here's a correction.

We're assuming that the 'bamboo notebook' will be the production version of the Asus U6 we looked at a few months ago, which is essentially a standard Centrino laptop with a case made partly (not wholly, as Asus originally planned) from bamboo. Asus already offers laptops with a similar leather finish , so this one will perhaps appeal to users who don't like to carry a piece of cow on the daily commute.