HP Slate teaser video highlights camera and iTunes support

Not to be overshadowed by the glut of Apple iPad news over the last few days, HP is trying to remind the world that there are other tablets that are due to hit the market. It has released a very short video of the HP Slate that shows off the tablet’s user interface, webcam and (ironically) the ability to play iTunes.

The UI looks broadly similar to HP’s TouchSmart software and does a good job of skinning Windows 7. The Slate is shown running iTunes along with a USB cable that looks like it’s from Apple, perhaps highlighting iPhone/iPod sync functionality. There are still no details on pricing or availability right now, but check out the teaser video for the latest on the Slate. Read more

Lenovo and Samsung prepping VIA VX900-powered HD netbooks?

VIA officially announced its VX900 multimedia chipset just a few weeks back and now we are starting to hear the first rumours over who will use it. According to DNAIndia, Lenovo and Samsung are both in a race to launch the first VX900-powered netbook and are targeting a launch for June this year.

“Three manufacturers have so far launched models sporting Congo are Lenovo, MSI and Asus while Lenovo and Samsung are expected to launch the first VX900-based netbooks by June this year,” reports DNAIndia. Read more

Intel delays next-gen CULV processors until Q3 2010?

Rumours are circulating that Intel is delaying its next generation CULV processors until the third quarter of this year at the earliest, as it looks to exhaust existing supplies following weaker than expected sales of ultra-thin notebooks. Manufacturers saw ultra-thins contribute 10-15 percent of 2009 shipments, lower than the 20-30 percent forecasted.

The fact that Acer has stopped production of ultra-thins featuring CULV processors hasn’t helped and is believed to be one of the factors contributing to the delay. Acer recently announced its TimelineX notebooks that feature Intel’s Calpella processors. The launch of new CULV processors will very much depend on demand according to the Digitimes report and it’s no certainty that we’ll see it appear at all.

Wireless HDMI Kit hits Japan

EzAir has announced a standalone wireless HDMI kit (EZR601AV) in Japan that should provide HDMI functionality to any netbook or laptop. One part of the kit plugs into the USB port of the netbook, whilst the other part has HDMI and VGA ports for connecting to a monitor.

In terms of resolution, 720p (1280 x 720) is supported over HDMI and 1400 x 1050 is supported over VGA. The minimum requirements are a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 512MB RAM and a Windows operating system. The kit will cost 13,800 Yen ($147, €108, £96) when it hits retail on 12 April.

Via PC Watch [via Netbooked].

Acer Aspire TimelineX 1830T hands-on

The Acer Aspire TimelineX 1830T is set to be one of the most desirable 11.6-inch ultrathins released in a while. It comes with the Intel Core i5-520UM dual-core processor that has a 1.06GHz clock speed. The processor benefits from Turbo Boost technology, which means the clock speed can increase to 1.86GHz depending on usage.

Blogeee managed to get hands-on with the 1830T and judging by the pictures, it certainly looks the business. Apart from its slender frame, it comes with a textured lid than means fingerprint marks are a thing of the past. It also has a brushed metal palm rest and chiclet keyboard. Read more

JooJoo tablet is not vapourware, receives unboxing [Video]

It looks like the 12.1-inch capacitive JooJoo tablet is a reality after all. The first units are shipping to customers and Engadget managed to get hold of a retail model to unbox.

You can check out some of the unboxing pictures after the break, but they also have a video that walks through the UI. Engadget is promising a review next week, but until then you can check out the video below. Read more

Apple iPad Review Roundup [Video]

The Apple iPad launch is now imminent and right on cue a whole host of reviews have hit the web. Overall, the general consensus appeared to be quite positive, with hardly any all-out negative reviews. The iPad appears to be very well-suited to web browsing and performance was snappy thanks to its A4 chipset.

Interestingly, battery life was better than expected with most reviewers getting at least 9.5 hours (Apple quotes 10 hours) of runtime. The virtual keyboard had a mixed reception with some reviewers loving it and even preferring it to netbook keyboards. Check out a number of reviews after the break. Read more

PeeWee Power Laptop is a netbook for kids

PeeWee has been making software and hardware targeted at kids for a while now. Following on from their Pivot Tablet laptop that came with a touchscreen, the company has announced the Power Laptop that follows the basic netbook form-factor aimed at kids.

It has a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) display and is powered by a 1.66GHz N450 Atom processor, Intel GMA3150 graphics, Windows XP and a 160GB HDD. Other features include a 1.3MP webcam, 6-cell battery along with PeeWee security software. Read more

Nvidia Tegra 2 suffering “serious issues” prompting Notion Ink delay

The Nvidia Tegra 2 chipset that was heavily shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, mostly in numerous tablet devices, is suffering “some serious issues” relating to stability according to Slashgear. This is causing a delay in the production pipeline for many companies looking to incorporate the chip into their products.

Devices that were expected to hit the market in June 2010 have now been delayed to August at the earliest. This includes projects such as the much anticipated Notion Ink (delayed to Q4 2010) and Compal (delayed to mid-September) tablets. This can only be good news for the Apple iPad that will have the market to itself for even longer.

Fujitsu LifeBook MH330: Value 10-inch Pine Trail netbook

Fujitsu is set to launch a budget 10.1-inch Pine Trail with typical specs but with a lightweight chassis weighing 1.1kg measuring an inch (24.5mm) in thickness. The MH330 has a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) display powered by a 1.66GHz N450 Atom processor, 250GB HDD and comes with the latest wireless standards including Wi-Fi (b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1.

Other features include a spill resistant keyboard, 5-in-1 card slot and a webcam. Battery life probably won’t be great given the inclusion of a three-cell battery. The netbook will cost S$699 (US$499.68) when it hits Asia in April.

Via Crave Asia.

Dell and HP moving focus away from 10-inch netbooks?

Dell and Hewlett-Packard (HP) are significantly reducing their investment in the production of 10-inch netbooks according to sources at Digitimes. The reason behind is this is supposed lower than expected profits from the current Intel Pine Trail netbooks.

The report goes on to say that HP may quit the 10-inch netbook segment altogether and instead focus on 11.6-inch AMD-powered netbooks. The competitiveness in this segment is one of the reasons why there has been a slow take-up of smartbook devices by vendors. I find it hard to believe that both companies would want to move away from 10” netbooks given their success in this segment, but stranger things have happened.

Update: Electronista is reporting that the Dell Mini 10 is “not going anywhere,” according to a spokesperson.

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