Atom MID sells for $57, reader ahead

From TG Daily -

The Taipei Times has reported that Taiwanese telco FarEasTone is selling an Atom-based MID made by BenQ for a mere $57. The catch is that is comes with a three year service.

FarEasTone will also offer other MIDs as well as Android phones as e-book readers using 3.5G technology.

Details here.

Intel Is Working With Google on Chrome OS

From PC World -

Intel, one half of the Wintel duo (Microsoft Windows being the other half) that has dominated the PC world for the past few decades, has been working with Google on the Chrome operating system for some time.

The Chrome OS, to be launched in H2 2010, is intended for desktops, laptops and netbooks, all devices dominated by Windows, so supporting Chrome could actually put Intel in an awkward position with Microsoft.

On the flipside, Intel has also been seeking more support for putting its microprocessors, such as the Atom, into smaller devices. Simultaneously, Intel has been working on its own mobile OS for small computer devices, a Linux-based OS called Moblin. It was designed for netbooks and handheld computers Intel calls MIDs, or mobile Internet devices.

FCC blesses new X Series notebook from LG

The Boy Genius Report -

The FCC has approved LG’s new X Series line of netbooks, a moderately priced line featuring decent specs and, in the X120 at least, integrated 3G. Anew model,referred to in FCC docs as the X13 though it will most probably be released as the X130 looks promising. While only Bluetooth and WLAN are confirmed, specs will likely include a Windows OS, an Atom processor, 160GB HD, a 10.1" display, a 3G/HSPA, and hopefully the X120's SMART ON feature.

More photos here.

Google CEO Schmidt Didn’t Want to Build Chrome Initially

From WSJ Digits -

Google CEO Eric Schmidt said Thursday evening that he resisted the idea the Chrome OS before giving in to Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page after the duo hired some Firefox developers who built a demonstration of Chrome that changed Schmidt's mind.

Chrome is described as an anti-operating system — one that is basically indistinguishable from a browser. Netbooks loaded with Chrome will boot up almost instantaneously and will store data on the Internet instead of a hard drive. It is being positioned not as a competitor to Microsoft Windows but one that will expand the market for netbooks, rather than eating into Windows’ share of the netbook market. Although Chrome will be free, Schmidt said it will still boost Google’s business.

Google Chrome OS to attack Microsoft Desktop Dominance in 2010

From I4U News -

Google has announced Google Chrome OS, an open source, lightweight Linux-based operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. The company will open-source its code later this year, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available in the second half of 2010.

Google Chrome OS will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips.

Introducing the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7

The Windows Team Blog presented Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 by showcasing three multi-touch optimized applications and three games.

The apps include Microsoft Surface Globe (shown above), Microsoft Surface Collage (photo app), and Microsoft Surface Lagoon (screensaver). The games include Microsoft Blackboard (puzzle game of physics), Microsoft Rebound, and Microsoft Garden Pond.

In order to use the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 – you’ll need a Windows 7 PC that supports multi-touch.

You can check out the video of Microsoft Surface Globe here.

Notebook vendors slowing down on mobile TV

From Digitimes -

Notebook makers have slowed the launch of notebooks with built-in mobile TV modules due to the launch of low-cost netbooks, economic concerns, tariffs and after-sales service. The ratio of notebooks shipped with built-in mobile TV modules currently stands at 5% of the global notebook shipments compared to the early projections of 10-20%.

Intel doesn't view Chrome OS as a threat to Moblin

From Engadget -


According to Michael Chen, director of Intel's embedded sales group/ultra mobility group in Asia-Pacific, Intel isn't worried at all that Google has introduced an operating system that will rival its own Moblin.

"Our long-term goal is providing hardware for devices with different operating systems... more competition will drive up more innovations and that's good for consumers."

In fact, Intel is looking forward to providing chips for machines based on Chrome OS. That could very well be since the new OS, per Google's own announcement, will support x86 and ARM architectures.

ASUS Eee PC T101H 10" touchscreen netbook specs confirmed

From Slashgear -

Asus have announced the official specs for its T101H, a 10.1" Eee PC tablet. Like the smaller 8.9" T91, the T101H has an 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520, 16GB SSD (paired with an included 16GB SD card), a resistive 1024 x 600 touchscreen, 0.3 MP webcam, 1GB RAM (2GB max), 5.4 hour li-polymer batttery, WiFi b/g/n. Possible options include a 3G module, GPS, and digital TV.

Launch date is end of August or early September with Windows 7 pre-installed. However since the new OS won't be released until October 22, it will likely be available as a free upgrade. No word on pricing as yet.

Acer Aspire Timeline 1810T

From Macles' blog -

The Aspire Timeline 1810T is based on the Aspire One 751's chassis and shares the same 11.6" 1366x768 screen but its innards are more Timeline-like, including the Intel ULV SU3500 1.4GHz processor, which is at least twice as fast as the fastest Atom. It also uses the Intel GS45 Express Chipset, with integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics core and hardware accelerated decoding of HD video. Other specs include: HDMI, S/PDIF, Gigabit LAN, Intel 802.11a/b/g/n, optional 3G and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR support, 8 hours battery life. In addition it supports a maximum of 4GB RAM. Pre-installed OS is Windows Vista Home Premium with a free upgrade to Windows 7 once it's released in October. No word yet on pricing though.