ULTRA MOBILE PC TIPS

Red Alert! Kindle price is now $299!

2009-07-09T07:41:00.001-04:00

Yes, that’s a really important news. Kindle price went down to $299. Still a little high but it’s 100 dollars less than what I paid for my first generation Kindle. Do I regret this purchase? NO. I have been using it daily and the only regret I have is not to have more time to read even more. I went from reading may be one book per year to more than 2 books per month. In my first year of ownership I read close to 50 books!

will Apple feel the pressure of Google?

2009-07-09T03:11:00.000-04:00

I was reading this article from Computerworld where many analysts opined about what will happen to Apple after the release of Chrome OS. And I agree 100 % with this opinion:

If...[adds] a tablet-like device to its lineup and dropping MacBook prices ($700), Gottheil concluded, "Then I don't think Chrome OS is much of a threat."

In another hand, I think that Microsoft will feel more pressure and will be forced to create a Version of Windows more suited for the use in Small Factor PCs or what we know as Netbooks.

Google Chrome OS

2009-07-08T07:33:00.001-04:00

If there is any company capable of competing against Microsoft with a big chance of success, that company is in my opinion Google. This is why the news about plans to release in 2010 an Open Source OS for x86 and ARM devices it’s something to be considered seriously by Microsoft and why not, Apple. Check what is going on with Android and that’s will give us an idea of what will happen when this new OS is released.

Building on their existing Chrome browser, Google Chrome OS is tipped to load and be internet-ready in seconds, be inherently secure from viruses and malware, and present no issues with hardware or software updates.

Via: Android Community

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta 2

2009-07-08T04:38:00.000-04:00

Switching to a new version of Windows is virtually a nightmare if you have to manage more than 100 PC. This is why I value a lot a tool like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta 2. A tool that can be downloaded here.

MDT 2010 is the next version of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, a Solution Accelerator for operating system and application deployment. New features such as flexible driver management, optimized user interface workflow, and Windows PowerShell^™ can simplify deployment and make your job easier. MDT 2010 will support deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in addition to deployment of Windows Vista^®, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP

Vulnerability in Microsoft Video ActiveX

2009-07-07T04:13:00.000-04:00

Microsoft has released a Security Advisory about a vulnerability in Microsoft video ActiveX.

Microsoft is investigating a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Video ActiveX Control. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user. When using Internet Explorer, code execution is remote and may not require any user intervention.
We are aware of attacks attempting to exploit the vulnerability.
Our investigation has shown that there are no by-design uses for this ActiveX Control in Internet Explorer which includes all of the Class Identifiers within the msvidctl.dll that hosts this ActiveX Control. For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 customers, Microsoft is recommending removing support for this ActiveX Control within Internet Explorer using all the Class Identifiers listed in the Workaround section. Though unaffected by this vulnerability, Microsoft is recommending that Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 customers remove support for this ActiveX Control within Internet Explorer using the same Class Identifiers as a defense-in-depth measure.

Microsoft Security Advisory (972890): Vulnerability in Microsoft Video ActiveX Control Could Allow Remote Code Execution

Windows 7 Product Editions

2009-07-06T08:21:00.001-04:00

If you are not so sure about what version of Windows 7 is the right one for you here is a page that will help you in this task.

Now, with nearly fully-functional versions of each product edition available to the public, I thought I'd provide a series of tables comparing each Windows 7 product editon… …It's early yet, and things will no doubt change, so I'll be updating these tables as needed going forward. But even at this early stage, I believe these tables will help you pick which Windows 7 product edition makes the most sense for you, based on your needs and wants.

Paul Thurrott has done a very good job summarizing all the options available in each version.

Sony Ericsson’s ”Rachael”, another Android phone coming soon

2009-07-06T07:57:00.001-04:00

There is not any doubt that Android will be one of the OS more used in the next generation of phones coming to market. The Sony Ericsson’s Rachel is one of the best equipped phones that I have seen so far with a processor running at 1 GHz.

…the phone is based on the Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon chip, which means it can get speeds up to 1 GHz, and HSPA-speeds up to 7.2 Mbps.
There’s also an 8MP camera with auto-focus, a 3.5 mm jack, and a mini-USB at the top of the phone.

Via: AndroidGuys

Archos 9 soon in USA

2009-07-02T09:38:00.001-04:00

We may see the Archos 9 TabletPC in this Christmas list of many of us. According to a Press Release, it will be sold in USA this fall.

The ARCHOS 9 features the new Z515 Intel® processor, Microsoft Windows 7® Operating system and an integrated multimedia platform that uses WiFi 802.11b/g connection and Bluetooth 2.1 for extremely fast computing anywhere, anytime.

This small Tablet PC has one of the most appealing designs that I have seen later.

Oracle, the new king?

2009-07-01T08:59:00.001-04:00

Oracle stock price is going up since May when Oracle announced that it bought Sun Microsystems, one of the biggest distributors and makers of Linux and the creator of Open Office the biggest competitor against Microsoft Office.

Oracle’s stock price is currently $21.42 and Microsoft’s is $23.77

The fact that Oracle bought Sun Microsystems is to me a very strong indicator that the company is preparing conditions to start a full competition for market share against Microsoft. Oracle currently owns an Operating System, an Office Suite (Open Office) and the strongest database system in the market. Oracle is distributing also their own Virtual Machine, which seems to be stronger than Microsoft’s, their own ERP Solution (in fact 3 different flavors of it) which is also better than Microsoft’s Great Plain and a set of other applications including an universal file viewer and management system (AutoVue).

Oracle is giving away for free many of their applications (Open Office, Virtual Machine and Linux) only charging for Tech Support, this approach is becoming more often seen in the last few years when the world economy is not what it was in the late 90s. And many other companies are taking this in consideration to bring to the market products with a more competitive price. A proof of this is that currently you can buy a PC with Linux installed from Dell, HP or IBM. Stores like TigerDirect and others will install for you Linux in any server if you ask them to do that. Two years ago there was not any other option of Operating System available for you but Microsoft Windows.

Software Market is changing quickly and Microsoft’s days as only one company dominating it are over. Is this the end for Microsoft? I do not think so. But it will have to work harder to compete against all these other companies like Oracle (Linux), Google (Android, a flavor of Linux) and Apple (Mac).

Windows 7 for just $49

2009-07-01T03:05:00.000-04:00

Microsoft is offering the update to Windows 7 with a 50% off and free shipping! The whole list of 12 stores offerings this deal can be found here.

Intel Graphic Drivers for Windows 7

2009-06-30T08:50:00.001-04:00

Intel has started to release officially the graphic chipset drivers for Windows 7. Here is the link for Windows 7 RC1 82945G Express Chipset, one of the most used in UMPC and Tablet PCs (Used in the Fujitsu P1610).

Samsung will use Nvidia chips

2009-06-30T03:05:00.000-04:00

The coming soon N510 Netbook from Samsung will use a Nvidia chip. What's the gain? 1080p support is not enough?

"The Netbook term was created by Intel to define a segment offering a limited experience, but with Ion you don't have those same limitations," Nvidia's Haas said. "These systems can handle mainstream gaming, HD video, and new GPU-powered applications. You might as well call them notebooks, because that's what they are."

Via: CNET News

HTC Sense

2009-06-26T03:54:00.000-04:00

HTC Sense is a visual fantasy with an added little bit of better functionality. There are rumors that it will be released for current G1.

Fujitsu ST6012 Tablet PC Pictures

2009-06-25T03:24:00.000-04:00

To me, the Fujitsu ST6012 is one of the best looking slate tablet pc released in the last few years. From the point of view of Hardware is not bad either. The only point I don't like is the price. Come on! Is this an Apple?! $2000!? $2579!? have they heard about the reception?!

Any way, GotBeMobile has posted some really good pictures of this Tablet PC.

Except for still feeling a little sluggish, I have not lacked for anything. From an integrated SD card slot to PC card slot to a 1280 x 800 screen, I have not experienced any compromises in going slate mode with the ST6012.

Protected by Microsoft Security Essentials

2009-06-24T04:53:00.000-04:00

Yes, I installed Microsoft Security Essentials Beta. It's too early for an educated opinion. Testing an AV is not easy unless you have a private Zoo full of Virus and Spyware.

Still, I scanned my PC and it found two issues. One of them is a version of VNC that I use to remotely assist some clients. So even when there is some risk I would call this a false alarm in my particular case. The other one was a legit one.

Here are some screen shots of the program in full action.

Microsoft announces free antivirus beta program

2009-06-19T04:36:00.000-04:00

Microsoft will make available a Beta of it's new Antivirus software next week.

A beta of MSE will be available in English and Brazilian Portuguese for public download on June 23, 2009 for the first 75,000 users. This is a target number, but Microsoft is willing to increase it if necessary.

MSFN - Microsoft announces free antivirus, limited public beta

Mobile Reporting Kit

2009-06-17T07:54:00.001-04:00

Blogging has became a way of life for many and when this happens you have to become creative and like in any other job arm yourself with a set of tools that will allow you to be the best. Because that’s what is it about. People pay you for blogging because you are the best or at least one of the best.

My fellow blogger Steve from UMPCPortal has posted a very good article about his experiences streaming live video for his blog. It’s really interesting to see how he has managed to create a fully portable/mobile solution using an UMPC.

I spent some time testing different webcams, microphones and configurations and have come up with a 2KG setup that will allow you to do live, mobile broadcasting over Ustream with reasonable quality. The total cost of the solution is under $1000 and the setup can not only be used for live streaming but can be used as a complete Ultra Mobile live blogging solution.

Palm Pre full review

2009-06-16T08:07:00.001-04:00

Julie at Gadgeteer has spent a week using the Palm Pre and with that experience has prepared the most complete review I have read lately about this device.

My Palm Pre is going back to Sprint. Probably tomorrow. I like it, but I just don’t love it. I had high hopes for it that haven’t quite been met and the carrier coverage in my area doesn’t really make me want to switch away from AT&T right now. As far as the actual device is concerned, I guess I have my standards set too high. Like new gadgeteer contributor Bryan Sherman and I talked about the other day, I need to quit wishing for some new end all be all device to come on the market because it’s probably never going to happen and I’m likely never going to be satisfied.
What would make me satisfied with the Pre? A metal body, better slider mechanism, MicroSD card slot, better macro mode for pix, video recording capability, GSM version and physical buttons on the front that allow you to answer / end a call.

Julie ends her article saying “Don’t Give Up, Palm” and that’s the feeling that I share. Palm came from being the best PDA maker to be less than nothing in this industry. Now I personally see the Palm Pre as a comeback. And I really hope this time the company actually find a way to fight against the iPhone, the Android and… why not, Windows Mobile.

Mini Cap 7 using W7

2009-06-16T04:53:00.000-04:00

Here is a short video where you can see the Mini Cap 7 using Windows 7.

Mini Cap 7, performance

2009-06-15T04:57:00.000-04:00

I have been running some performance tests in the Ruvo Mini Cap 7. The machine out performs many of the Netbooks and UMPC currently in the market, I would say easily.

I prepared a video for todoumpc.com (Sorry guys, it's in Spanish), where I played DVD, 720p and 1080p videos and in my opinion the machine handles the DVD and the HD 720p videos really well. The HD 1080p skips frames but I think that that with some tuning, selecting a good player, good codecs and a good video format, probably it can handle too this HD format.

I also installed Ubuntu but still too early to share my impressions about this experience. The only thing that I can say is that it runs out of the box without me having to change or install anything.

The Archos9 the first UMPC with W7

2009-06-12T00:47:00.001-04:00

So far The Archos 9 is the first UMPC announced with W7. A complete different picture than when Vista was about to be released. It's like OEMs are being very cautious this time.

Unlike its predecessors, which are basic touchscreen internet media tablets, the Archos9 is a touch tablet that can run a full computer OS. It also features a built-in webcam, 120GB of memory, full touch support, an external mic, streo speakers, and a toggled-on optical trackpad and an on-screen keyboard, and will be available in Europe this October—around the same time as Windows 7’s release—for €450 ($635).

Via | Gizmodo Australia

Handwriting recognition for Android

2009-06-11T04:03:00.000-04:00

Yes, VisionObjects has developed what I believe is the first handwriting recognition software for Android: MyScript.

LonMID M100 MID, a phone with an Intel Atom

2009-06-10T08:05:00.001-04:00

Yes, it’s a phone and it’s a MID using an Intel Atom processor.

The specs haven't changed since the last time, though some of the ports/interfaces may have. Here's a quick rundown:

800MHz Intel Atom Z500 processor
512MB DDR2 RAM (up to 1GB)
4GB SSD
Midinux operating system
4.8" primary touchscreen (800 x 480), 2.4" secondary display (320 x 240)
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, 802.11b/g
Webcam
I/O: SIM card slot, microSD card slot, USB 2.0, miniUSB, headphone jack, microphone

Since Microsoft pushed the UMPC concept into the market we keep seeing new devices some really smaller some not but one thing is for sure, the market exist and it’s healthy.

Via Pocketeable: LonMID M100 MID phone gets official

Mini Cap 7, second round

2009-06-09T03:58:00.001-04:00

I installed today W7 in this device from Ruvo. I suspect that this demo unit has a SSD because W7 installation went super fast, less than 20 minutes. All drivers were working right after the installation, the only one with some issues was the Sound one, but after installing the provided driver for Vista everything was working fine.

I going to start running some tests later but here is the first one for those that have been asking. W7 Performance score.

Here is the same screen taken from my Fujitsu P1610 that can be used as reference.

Without any doubt, the Mini Cap 7 performs a little bit better than the P1610.

The Mini Cap 7 can be ordered at todoumpc.

Viliv X70 Series available at Dynamism

2009-06-08T21:42:00.001-04:00

The title says it all.

Just like the uber-hot Viliv S5 , this Viliv X70 is beautifully-manufactured, features a great battery life, and has plenty of power to deliver a full, no-compromise, rich internet experience. And that's just the start of its capabilities.

Dynamism - Viliv X70 Series