SlashGear

Magellan Maestro 4700 PND navigates onto shelves

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:32:45 +0000

Magellan have officially launched their latest PND, the Maestro 4700, a little over a month since it was spotted clearing the FCC. The 4700 has a 4.7-inch touchscreen together with voice command and Bluetooth with a noise-canceling microphone.

There’s also POI from the AAA TourBook, and a double-capacity “OneTouch” favorites menu for more frequently-visited destination. Magellan have given the Maestro 4700 predictive traffic, which uses previous traffic patterns to plan journeys that will bypass known slow points, and there are 3D landmarks to allow drivers to better orient themselves.

A pedestrian mode with “find my car” feature rounds out the major specifications. The Magellan Maestro 4700 is shipping now, with a windshield mount and cradle, 12-volt power adapter, USB cable, pouch and on-dash adhesive mounting disc. It has an MRSP of $299.99.

[via GPS Tracklog]

Press Release:

Magellan(R) Unveils Next Generation Maestro(TM)

Magellan Maestro 4700 Boasts a New Design with a 4.7-inch Display, Voice Command, Bluetooth, and Highway Lane Assist

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 /PRNewswire/ — Magellan, one of the leading GPS brands, introduces the Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS device. The ultra-slim device features a wide 4.7-inch color touch screen and includes many premium features to deliver a robust navigation experience for users. In addition to Magellan’s OneTouch user interface, the Magellan Maestro 4700 device also performs advanced navigation tasks with built-in voice command capabilities and hands-free Bluetooth calling.

“The Magellan Maestro 4700 lets you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” said Mike Wagner, senior director of product marketing for Magellan. “We have incorporated voice command, Bluetooth, and highway lane assist to help you reach your destination with confidence. The large 4.7-inch screen is easily viewable in all lighting conditions. Thanks to our unique OneTouch favorites menu and our AAA partnership, the Magellan Maestro 4700 makes trip planning and traveling easier and less stressful.”

The Magellan Maestro 4700 features several premium features including:

– Exclusive OneTouch(TM) Favorites Menu: Access favorite destinations
and searches with personalized bookmarks. Reach your favorite cafe or
restaurant in any city with a single touch. To meet consumer
requests, the Magellan Maestro 4700 now offers an additional twelve
bookmarks to save favorites.
– Bluetooth Compatible Hands-Free Calling: Make or receive calls using
a compatible cell phone. Access your phone’s address book to access
up to 1000 numbers directly from your Magellan Maestro 4700. The
noise-cancelling microphone keeps road noise down so you are heard
clearly.
– Predictive Traffic: Analyzes past traffic patterns when creating a
route to help you avoid known delays. Choose to stay on your current
route or go with suggested less congested routes.
– Instant Access to All Points Of Interest (POI): Perform one search
and get results from both the standard POI database and the
Magellan-exclusive AAA TourBook(R) guide. Results are organized in a
tabbed format.
– “Find Your Car” with Pedestrian Mode: Remembers the location of your
car in parking lots, airports, malls, universities, amusement parks or
stadiums. When your day is done the Magellan Maestro 4700 will
automatically guide you to your car.
– 3D Landmarks: Displays visual cues to help drivers perform maneuvers
and find destinations.
– Larger Fonts: Makes viewing easier and safer while driving.
– Intuitive, Context-Driven Touch Zones: Provides drivers with a
completely interactive map screen.
– New Address Book: Makes adding an address a snap with smart address
summary that lets users save complete itineraries.

– QuickSpell(R) with Smart City Search: Allows quick, single-address
entry or convenient multi-destination trip planning, including route
optimization.The manufacturer’s suggested price for the Magellan Maestro 4700 is $299.99. It ships with a windshield mount and cradle; 12-volt vehicle power adapter; USB cable, protective pouch, adhesive disk for alternative, on-dash mounting; and quick reference guide. For additional accessories, including cases, pouches, and other mounting options, visit www.MagellanGPS.com.

Map updates for Magellan products can be purchased separately.

About MiTAC Digital Corp.MiTAC Digital Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MiTAC International Corporation and promotes and sells products and services under the Magellan brand name. Magellan assists people to travel, work and play their way with leading portable navigation and positioning solutions across multiple consumer markets. Recognized as an industry innovator, the company is the producer of the award-winning Magellan RoadMate(R), and MaestroTM series portable car navigation systems, as well as the Magellan Triton(R) outdoor handheld navigation devices. MiTAC Digital Corp. is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information on Magellan, visit http://www.magellangps.com/.

About AAA

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its’ founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

The Magellan logo, Magellan, RoadMate, QuickSpell, Triton are registered trademarks of MiTAC International Corporation and OneTouch, Maestro are trademarks of MiTAC International Corporation and are used under license by MiTAC Digital Corp. All rights reserved. The AAA TourBook, Roadside Assistance are trademarks of American Automobile Association. AAA(C) 2009 All rights reserved. All other trademarks and registrations are the property of their respective owners.

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Thermaltake PW880i liquid-cooling system

Ewdison Then — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:06:40 +0000

A new liquid-cooling setup from Thermaltake has been announced, the PW880i, offering more flexibility than the company’s all-in-one systems. Consisting of a copper water block, a tank, a P500 pump and a 24cm Motorsports Radiator, the PW88oi is intended for mainstream processor sockets such as the AMD AM2 or Intel’s P4 478.

Video demo after the cut

The fan housing slots into the standard mounts at the back of most full or mid-sized towers, while the pump – also at the rear – can move up to 500 liters per hour. Thermaltake claim the system fan is “silent”, a 240mm piece running at 1,000 to 2,000 rpm.

Optional extras include Thermaltake’s WB400 and WB200, which can be used to liquid-cool a graphics card and Northbridge respectively. No word on pricing, but full specifications here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via HEXUS]

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ASUS confirm three T91 models: base, multitouch and 3G/GPS/TV

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:15:20 +0000

ASUS have confirmed that they will be offering three versions of their touchscreen netbook, the long-awaited Eee PC T91. According to AsusTablet’s source, the company plan the basic T91 with a single-touch screen, together with a multitouch-capable T91A and 3G-enabled T91GO.

In fact the T91GO will not only include integrated 3G, but add GPS and a digital TV tuner, all features listed as optional on the official T91 page. It will weigh around 0.06kg more than the regular T91, as a result of the added hardware.

Meanwhile, the ASUS Eee PC T91A will apparently ship with Windows 7 and take advantage of its multitouch functionality via a resistive touchscreen. This version was demonstrated in June at Computex, and will otherwise have the same Intel Atom N520 1.33GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and dual 16GB SSD and 16GB included SD card as the other models. It’s unclear at this stage whether ASUS will offer the T91A in a 3G/GPS/TV version.

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ASUS ROG Crosshair III Formula motherboard for Phenom II CPUs

Ewdison Then — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:59:34 +0000

ASUS‘ latest motherboard for AMD Phenom II processors has been announced. The ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) Crosshair III Formula uses the AMD AM3 socket platform, together with CPU Level Up real-time overclocking and bundling a SupremeFX X-Fi sound card.

The Crosshair III Formula also includes ASUS’ MemOK!, the company’s memory upgrade tool. This offers a set of failsafe settings said to work with even faulty RAM and allow the PC to at least boot:

“In the event of a boot failure after installing new RAM, all the user has to do is press an easily accessible button on the motherboard and MemOK! will automatically load the failsafe settings needed to ensure a successful system boot. MemOK! is able to rapidly detect and resolve memory issues—even if bad or unstable memory is used” ASUS

Connections are five SATA-II 3.0Gbps, one eSATA and one UltraDMA 133, gigabit LAN, four DDR3 1600 channels supporting up to 16GB, dual firewire and 12 USB 2.0 connections. The board is also ATI CrossFireX compatible, and will work with ASUS’ ROG OC Station, a bay-mounted overclocking controller with 3-inch LCD. No word on pricing or availability as yet.

Press Release:

Set Your Sights on Blazing Benchmarks with the ROG Crosshair III Formula

ASUS’ New Socket AM3 Motherboard Unlocks the Full Potential of AMD Phenom II Processors

ASUS, the world’s leading producer of motherboards, today put world record-breaking power into the hands of AMD Phenom II users with the launch of the ROG (Republic of Gamers) Crosshair III Formula. Based on the AMD Socket AM3 platform, the Crosshair III Formula harnesses its full arsenal of ROG-exclusive features and technologies to unleash the full overclocking potential of Phenom II processors—enabling budget-conscious enthusiasts and gamers to enjoy extreme levels of performance at an affordable mid-price point.

“The Crosshair III Formula motherboard will help users utilize the full potential of the AMD Phenom II processor. The motherboard is loaded with unique features like CPU Level Up to allow real-time overclocking and is a great board for enthusiasts looking for a mid range solution that is high on features and performance.” Commented Mr. Vinay Shetty – Country Head – Component Products ASUS (India).

Poised for Chart-topping Overclocking Performance

AMD’s Phenom II processors have proven capable of being pushed to incredible frequencies when backed by the right hardware—such as the ASUS M4A79T Deluxe—setting several 3DMark06 and CPU-Z world records in recent times. The Crosshair III Formula, with its comprehensive array of industry-leading ROG features, is set to take Phenom II overclocking a big step further—both in terms of benchmarks and simplicity. ASUS’ exclusive CPU Level Up feature, for example, delivers the best of both worlds, enabling gamers without much overclocking knowledge to ‘upgrade’ their existing processor’s performance to that of a better, more expensive processor with just a click or two.

MemOK! The World’s Only One-click Memory Rescue Tool

Memory compatibility issues are often the bane of system upgraders and ASUS is the only motherboard manufacturer in the world that has devised an ingenious tool solely to tackle memory-related problems. Called MemOK!, ASUS’ exclusive innovation takes the guesswork and anxiety out of memory upgrading, restoring user confidence and peace of mind. In the event of a boot failure after installing new RAM, all the user has to do is press an easily accessible button on the motherboard and MemOK! will automatically load the failsafe settings needed to ensure a successful system boot. MemOK! is able to rapidly detect and resolve memory issues—even if bad or unstable memory is used!

Supreme In-game Audio with SupremeFX X-Fi and Seamless OC Station Compatibility

The Crosshair III Formula is bundled with a SupremeFX X-Fi sound card that delivers crisp audio and incredibly realistic EAX in-game sound effects. X-Fi CMSS3D’s groundbreaking positional audio gives gamers a distinct in-game advantage, while Crystalizer enhances overall audio quality dramatically.

The Crosshair III Formula is also fully compatible with the new ROG OC Station, a pure hardware-based, bay-mounted device with a large 3-inch display that takes overclocking to a whole new level of ease, accuracy and sophistication. When used in conjunction with the Crosshair III Formula, the futuristic-looking OC Station grants users on-the-fly access to overclocking parameters, fan speeds, system information and the Crosshair III Formula’s ROG-exclusive features.

Specifications

Model

ROG Crosshair III Formula

CPU

AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 processors

Chipset

AMD® 790FX Chipset

System Bus

Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0

Memory

4 x DIMM, Dual Channel, up to 16GB

DDR3 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz

Expansion slot

2 x PCIe2.0 x16 slot

3 x PCIe2.0 x1( the PCIEx1_1 (black) is compatible with audio slot)

1 x PCI 2.2

Multi-GPU

ATI CrossFireX™

Storage

5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s

1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s

1 x UltraDMA 133

LAN

Gigabit LAN

Audio

SupremeFX X-Fi 8-Ch. Audio with EAX4.0 support

Other I/O ports

1*PS/2, 1*eSATA, 1*IEEE1394a, 1*Clr CMOS, 1*LAN, 6*USB

USB / IEEE1394a

12 x USB2.0 / 2 x 1394a ports

Fan connector

8 (1 x CPU / 1 x PWR / 3 x Chassis / 3 x Optional)

Software (Full version)

Kaspersky anti-virus, Futuremark® 3DMark™06 Advanced Edition

Features

MemOK!, SupremeFX X-Fi, CPU Level Up, Keyboard-TweakIt, Extreme Tweaker, iROG, Loadline Calibration, LCD Poster, Voltiminder LED

Form Factor

ATX, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more details.

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Best Buy offer Sprint Compaq 3G netbook for $0.99

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:32:11 +0000

Sprint and Best Buy are offering a Compaq Mini 110-series netbook for just $0.99, assuming you’re willing to sign up to 2-years of EVDO Rev.A data service from the carrier. The netbook, The Mini 110c-1040DX, can be picked with either a CDMA EVDO Rev.A module for use with Verizon or Sprint, or an HSDPA module for use with AT&T; however only the Sprint subsidy brings the price down to under a buck.

If you’d prefer to go with Verizon or AT&T, the netbook will cost you $199.99 plus the two-year subscription with either carrier. Meanwhile the unsubsidized price is $389.99. The data package, in Sprint’s case, will cost around $60 per month; meanwhile the netbook itself is an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz machine with 10.1-inch 1024 x 576 display, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard-drive.

It’s not the cheapest way to pick up a new netbook, and you lack the flexibility of connection sharing that you’d get with a MiFi, but if you’re desperate for a 3G-enabled netbook and can’t afford the cost upfront then it might be the device for you. You’ll have to stop in at your local Best Buy, though; the offer is not available online.

[via jkOnTheRun]

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Red Fox Wizbook N1020i netbooks: Bluetooth 3.0 and eye-scorching colors

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:23:12 +0000

Red Fox call them colorful; we call them lurid. Either way, the company’s Wizbook N1020i netbooks have arrived, and aside from the paint-job it’s mostly business as usual for the 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 machines. Standout features are an ExpressCard 34 slot and, more unusual, Bluetooth 3.0 support.

Otherwise it’s the usual 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 160GB hard-drive and 1GB of RAM (maximum 2GB supported); ports include three USB 2.0, audio in/out and a memory card reader. Connectivity is ethernet, WiFi a/b/g and of course that speedy Bluetooth 3.0 (if you can find any peripherals to test it out with).

Finally there’s a built-in webcam, 4,400mAh 6-cell battery and – according to Electronic Pulp – a cramped keyboard and “dry plastic feel”. Battery life is estimated at “more than four hours … with moderate to heavy usage”; the netbooks will cost around 21,190 pesos in the Philippines ($440).

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Radiopaq iPod Sound Jacket: claims to put the “mmm” back in MP3

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:36:46 +0000

Do you like your music loud and garnished with vaguely nonsensical statistics? Then step right up, as Radiopaq are offering both with their new iPod Sound Jacket. Intended for the fourth-gen iPod nano, the Sound Jacket is billed as an automatic graphic equalizer and – according to Radiopaq – improves sound quality “by up to 60-percent.”

Rather than doing that by giving you electric shocks until you go back and re-rip all your CDs at twice the bit-rate, the Sound Jacket “eliminates the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting, and reveals hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression.” We’re not entirely sure how it re-discovers that detail, to be honest, but from the sound of it a lot of the credit has to go to the fact that the Sound Jacket works as a micro-amplifier.

If, then, you’re dissatisfied by the sound output of your iPod nano 4G (and many people do find it’s too weak to drive more serious headphones) then the Radiopaq iPod Sound Jacket may be for you. At £69.99 ($113), though, it’s an expensive way to boost sound.

Press Release:

Radiopaq Expands Intelligent Audio Range with iPod Sound Jacket

…Dramatically enhance the audio quality of your MP3s with a brand new iPod accessory…

Issue Date 7 July 2009: Visionary audio brand Radiopaq, creator of the acclaimed internet radio search engine radiopaq.com, has today expanded its Intelligent Audio product range with the launch of the Sound Jacket. Designed for use with the 4th generation iPod Nano, the Sound Jacket utilises Radiopaq’s Intelligent Audio technology to significantly improve the audio quality of MP3 music tracks.

The file compression process used in the creation of MP3 files means that audio can often sound flat or distorted, far removed from the artists’ originally intended sound. However, the Radiopaq Sound Jacket counteracts this by dynamically enhancing the audible performance of any MP3 track, improving sound quality by up to 60%.

In essence, the Sound Jacket acts like a Graphic Equalizer (EQ), but one that automatically adjusts itself continuously to best suit the music that is being played. This eliminates the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting, and reveals hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression.

Compatible with either headphones or a standard iPod compatible dock, the Sound Jacket offers a number of audio improvements including:
Extra warmth and bass when needed, not just rumble
An expanded sound stage, making tracks ‘come alive’
Low distortion and wide volume range thanks to the Sound Jacket’s built in micro amp

In addition the Sound Jacket boasts a super slim and lightweight design and doesn’t require any charging itself, receiving its power direct from the iPod. This equates to over twelve hours of continuous listening.

Prash Vadgama, Radiopaq President, commented: “The Sound Jacket marks an evolution in personal audio technology. The iPod has become virtually ubiquitous with many people only ever listening to music that has been converted into the MP3 format. This has resulted in listeners becoming used to the inferior, compressed quality and not realising they’re missing out on the full audio experience as intended by the musician. The Sound Jacket seeks to reverse this trend and allow people to enjoy music as it should be, rich and warm with an expanded sound stage. You won’t believe what your ears have been missing.”

The Sound Jacket retails for £69.99 inc. VAT and is available from Amazon and from Radiopaq.com.

For further information please visit www.radiopaq.com.

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Sega Toys’ Yume Neko “Dream Cat” Venus: Robo-kitty gets an upgrade

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:01:27 +0000

Long-time readers may remember Sega Toys’ robotic cat that stole my heart, Yume Neko Smile; now the company is back with an upgraded version [pdf link] of the electronic-kitty. Yume Neko “Dream Cat” Venus is a life-sized Norwegian Forest Cat, with more possible movement than the original Smile version together with the ability to respond to your voice.

Well, I say ”respond”; apparently Sega Toys worked Tohoku University’s Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer in Northern Japan to make sure Yume Neko Venus responds appropriately to touch or vocal prompts. If, for instance, you say “there there” in Japanese, she’ll purr at you.

Movements, meanwhile, include laying down, reaction to touch from a number of hidden sensors, reaction to light from a hidden forehead photo-receptor, and the ability to move her paws around. She measures 490 x 240 x 230 mm and comes, like the original, with a plastic comb for grooming. Japanese buyers will be able to pick up Yume Neko “Dream Cat” Venus on July 30th, priced at the equivalent of around $110; the rest of us will have to wait for importers to get their act together.

[via CrunchGear]

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Viliv X70 preorders today; video review & teardown

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:39:26 +0000

Viliv’s X70 UMPC goes on sale today through importer Dynamism, and as we’ve already reported there’s a clutch of goodies for the first 777 buyers. Priced from $599, the X70 has a choice of 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Intel Atom processors and SSD storage from 16GB; we’ve already seen one very positive review; now jkkmobile has put up his own video review of the X70 Premium 3G, the HSPA-equipped version of the 7-inch touchscreen device.

Video review of Viliv X70 after the cut

Being the avid upgrader that his is, jkkmobile didn’t stop at unboxing and demonstrating the X70 but instead got out the screwdrivers and stripped it down to the bare essentials. He found that the RAM – 1GB across the board – is soldered down, and that the SSD uses a mini Zif connector meaning that, on the 3G models at least, there’s no room for a replacement 1.8-inch SSD.

Still, out of the box it’s apparently a great little handheld, offering lengthy battery life and a very usable custom UI of Viliv’s own making. There’s also the benefit of Windows XP underneath (though Windows 7 works too), meaning that the X70 is far more flexible than something like the cheaper CrunchPad.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Nokia deny Android smartphone rumors: sticking with Symbian

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:24:51 +0000

Nokia rumors a-plenty today, as UK paper The Guardian suggest that the Finnish company are planning to release a touchscreen Android smartphone so as to counter falling Symbian shares. However, Nokia themselves have vehemently denied any such intentions, with a spokesperson quoted as saying “everyone knows that Symbian is our preferred platform for advanced mobile devices.”

In fact, according to that spokesperson, there is “absolutely no truth … whatsoever” to the Guardian piece. The company failed to respond to the paper’s suggestions that industry interest in Symbian – which was made free after Nokia bought out its software partners and assumed full control of the platform – has proved low in comparison to Android take-up.

Nokia devices have previously been coaxed into running Android, but so far the company has made no official move to adopt the platform. The firm is conspicuous by its absence among the members of Google’s Open Handset Alliance.

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CrunchPad coming late July/early August says NYT

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:08:46 +0000

The much-anticipated CrunchPad internet tablet from Michael Arrington is apparently ramping up for a late July or early August launch. According to The New York Times’ Bits Blog the touchscreen web tablet will be priced at “less than $300.”

While an announcement may be imminent, there’s no telling when exactly the CrunchPad itself might hit virtual shelves. The NYT suggests “as soon as possible”, but beyond that there’s no more specific date; Arrington himself has previously discussed working with factories, so it seems production will be sooner rather than later.

The CrunchPad originated as a response to expensive UMPCs and a perceived demand for a low-cost, single-purpose internet-browsing device. Intended to boot directly into a browser and get its connection over WiFi, the CrunchPad has minimal hardware controls but does include a USB port for plugging in peripherals such as a keyboard.

[via GottaBeMobile]

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Sony Ericsson “Rachel” Android smartphone leaks

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:48:03 +0000

According to Mobil.nu, you’re looking at the glossy face of Sony Ericsson’s first Android smartphone, an XPERIA-branded touchscreen handset codenamed “Rachel”. Known specifications for the upcoming device are sparse, but it’s believed to use Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon chipset, include HSPA connectivity, and have an 8-megapixel camera.

There’s also a 3.5mm headphone socket, dedicated camera key and slimline casing, though sadly no slide-out QWERTY keyboard in the manner of previous XPERIA devices. We don’t yet know how big the touchscreen is, either, but we’re assuming the “Rachel” will have GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth.

Sony Ericsson have already suggested that they’ll be using Android OS 2.0, as yet unreleased, for their first handset based on the platform. According to the company’s Asia-Pacific VP of marketing, Peter Ang, Sony Ericsson will be customizing Android to suit their own style, highlighting the XPERIA X1 and its Panels UI as an example of how that has been done in other cases.

[via SlashPhone; via Android Community]

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Intel punish Samsung & Lenovo with pricey Atom over screen transgressions?

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:36:05 +0000

Intel have reportedly punished Samsung and Lenovo by canceling their preferential Atom chip pricing, after the two companies broke Intel’s netbook restrictions. According to industry sources, Samsung are planning an Atom N-series netbook which uses NVIDIA’s Ion graphics chipset and an 11.6-inch display – likely the Samsung N510 - for release later in this month; that goes against Intel’s limits on screen size, which the company (along with Microsoft) limit to 10.2-inches or below.

Meanwhile Lenovo are said to have fallen foul of the same punitive action, after they released a 12-inch netbook using Intel’s Atom N270 processor last month. The Lenovo S12 - which we caught on camera recently – also offers NVIDIA’s Ion, which is a direct rival to Intel’s own low-power graphics chipsets commonly used in netbooks.

According to the sources, Intel has already canceled the preferential pricing both companies have enjoyed for the N270 processor, though Intel themselves declined to respond citing “customer confidentiality”. It’s possible, though, that this could be more to do with Intel attempting to stamp down on Ion take-up rather than preserving netbook size rules.

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PhotoFast G-Monster 2.5-inch RAID SSD gets teardown, video benchmarks

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:23:05 +0000

We’ve already seen PhotoFast’s stonkingly-fast G-Monster SSDs, which slap solid-state memory and a RAID controller onto a desktop PCIe card, and now the company has done the same thing but in a standard 2.5-inch drive casing. The PhotoFast G-Monster V5 RAID SSD looks like a regular drive, but boasts either 128GB or 256GB of capacity and up to 270MB/sec read/write speeds; NetbookNews had a chance to go hands-on with the superlative drive.

Video demo after the cut

Inside – as you can see in the video below – there’s a 128MB SDRAM buffer, SATA-II 3.0Gbps interface and flash memory which PhotoFast claim is good for “at least ten years”. As with other SSDs its far more shock and vibration resistant than traditional storage.

Right now the G-Monster V5 only offers RAID 0 for super-fast data access and write times, but PhotoFast are apparently considering a custom version of the RAID controller. That would allow owners to choose between speed and data redundancy, basically fitting an entire array into a netbook/ultraportable-sized drive. As it is, the current version of the G-Monster V5 RAID SSD comes in at a not-inconsiderable $850.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Apple “massive” iPod camera order tipped; new 5G nano case emerges

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:52:38 +0000

Apple have reportedly ordered a “massive number” of camera modules, similar to those found in the iPhone, which will likely find their way into the iPod touch and nano. According to TechCrunch’s sources in Asia, the size of the order – each camera costs roughly $10 – suggests that not only will the iPod touch get photography abilities (as suggested by the iPod touch 3G case on Friday) but that in fact every model bar the iPod shuffle will include one.

Meanwhile a second image of an iPod case with camera cut-out, this time supposedly for the iPod nano, has emerged. Up for sale on DealExtreme, the case shows a camera opening in the lower corner of the fifth-gen PMP; that fits in with rumors back in May.

TechCrunch do not yet have details on the resolution of the camera sensors ordered, but back in April they were said to have ordered both 3.2-megapixel and 5-megapixel modules. Including one in the iPod touch – which shares its software with the video-capable iPhone – certainly makes sense, while adding camera functionality to the nano would differentiate it from the ever-growing ranks of low-cost rivals.

[thanks Matthew!]

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Samsung MBP200 pico-projector/PMP hybrid hits Europe

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:40:45 +0000

Samsung’s MBP200 pico-projector has gone on sale in Germany, coupling a compact DLP projector with an onboard PMP. First announced back at CES, the MBP200 goes a step or two ahead of pico-projectors we’ve tested such as the BeamBox or AAXA by virtue of its integrated 2.2-inch display, meaning the PMP functionality does not necessarily require the projector be active.

In fact you can happily listen to audio and watch video on the MBP200 itself, but you’ll be missing out. The 110 x 49 x 19mm box is capable of projecting up to a 50-inch 480 x 320 image, and in addition to pictures and videos can show MS Office documents such as PowerPoint presentations.

In addition to its onboard storage there’s a microSD slot content with up to 16GB cards, plus a 3.5mm stereo output for audio and an input for external video sources. The controls are touch-sensitive and the whole thing weighs around 140g.

The Samsung MBP200 is on sale in Germany now, with an MRSP of €499 ($695). Live photos of the projector here.

[via PicoProjector-info]

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Verizon Tour, T-Mobile Dash 3G or Sprint Snap?

Vincent Nguyen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:38:04 +0000

How you answer whether to buy a Verizon Tour, T-Mobile Dash 3G or Sprint Snap smartphone actually depend on which carrier you’re current on, or if you’re willing to switch. Switching carrier for any phone is a drastic move unless you’re moving to an iPhone 3GS.

I recently reviewed the Verizon Tour, T-Mobile Dash 3G and the Sprint Snap (no formal review written yet for the Snap). All three smartphones get the job done. The Tour is a solid smartphone made by BlackBerry, which is the best of all worlds if you love the Curve’s form-factor but want a more grown up professional feel of the Bold. Where as the T-Mobile Dash 3G is slightly slimmer than the Tour and Snap, it does lower display resolution and runs an outdated OS-Windows Mobile. With that being said, it’s very speedy nonetheless. The Sprint Snap, a long lost brother of the Dash 3G is ugly in comparison, chubbier and feels cheaper. If you’re on Sprint, you have no business buying the Snap when the Palm Pre is available and far more superior in every respect.

Finally, if you have cash to burn and do not care for Windows Mobile, webOS or BlackBerry, there’s an alternative (if you’re on AT&T or T-Mobile) – the Nokia N97. It’s priced at $700 unlocked/unsubsidized and can be purchased through Nokia website. Keep in mind that these aren’t all the phones coming out over the next few months so you still have options if you’re willing to wait a little longer. For instance, T-Mobile is also releasing the myTouch 3G and HTC recently unveiled the Hero. Both devices are powered by Android OS.

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iPhone 3GS is kicking butt and taking names

Vincent Nguyen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:36:45 +0000

The folks over at Consumer Report reported that iPhone 3GS took the top spot in smartphone ratings with strong performance in every category except for voice quality – an area many phone struggles with. Of course there are other smartphones-ranking pretty close to the iPhone 3GS, including the Palm Pre.

Hands down, the iPhone 3GS best others when it comes to its superior display, multimedia, navigation, and web browsing and battery life. Unfortunately, Consumer Report favors the Pre, Storm, and other BlackBerry smartphones for messaging. They also compared the iPhone OS to webOS; and found that the “deck-of-cards” handling of multiple apps is a superior multitasker over the iPhone.

The article didn’t go into the iPhone’s endless list of third-party apps, the fact that iPhone’s display is made of glass (literally scratch-resistance) etc. Try taking a key to the iPhone’s display and then do the same to the Palm Pre. Guess what? I personally prefer soft-virtual keyboard to physical keys – there’s just less pressure on my fingers for heavy messaging sessions. Plus, the tiny keys on the Palm Pre can be a challenge to use if you’ve got fat fingers. Recording video is another major feature lacking on the Palm Pre. Apple has made it so easy to record and share that – well even a caveman can do it. Make sure to check out SlashGear’s full review of the iPhone 3GS and Palm Pre. iPhone 3GS Review / Palm Pre Review

Anyway, if you subscribe to Consumer Report, make sure to read it, and if nothing else it’s worth checking out their article. [Thanks Natalie]

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