Routon have brought their latest Mobile Internet Device (MID), the P760, to CES this week, complete with a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, ARM11 processor and optional mobile broadband. The P760 is based on Linux and has either 4GB or 8GB of solid-state storage, 128MB of RAM and a 2-megapixel camera.
It appears that EMTEC’s new Gdium netbook is ready for prime-time, or in this case, ready for display at CES. We went hands-on with a non-functioning prototype of the Gdium last August at IFA 2008 and now have pictures and specs for what appears to be the final product.
Open-source set-top box manufacturer Neuros have kicked off some “bounties” for their LINK media device, offering cash incentives for developers to code new functionality. The first task, for which Neuros are offering a $2,500 reward, is to get the LINK connecting directly with Netflix (or $500 if done via a PC app intermediary) before they themselves or Boxee manage it; meanwhile the second task is to develop a Move Networks plug-in for the device, for which Neuros will pay $2,000.
Acer and Toshiba have revealed that more than 90-percent of their netbooks – the Aspire One and the Satellite NB100 – are sold with Windows XP rather than one of the compact Linux builds that are offered on the budget ultraportables. Dell, too, have confirmed that Windows XP sales have achieved similar dominance in netbooks as they have in the traditional PC space, while ASUS has shifted its Eee PC development priorities in response to the consumer demand.
Dell had 2nd thought about their Inspiron Mini 12, perhaps the fixed 1GB memory couldn’t handle the bulky vista they thought it would. They have expanded the netbook-sized notebook with Linux and legacy XP options. Showing a little love for open source user by knocking off $50 to $499 with Ubuntu installed system featuring the following standard options : 1.33GHz Atom processor, 1GB of memory and a 40GB hard drive. The XP option with similar features has the standard cost of $549.
Comparing both systems, the Ubuntu’s Mini 12 having the same three-cell battery lasts twice as long as oppose to the XP version, it’s rated for up to six-hours use. Configurable system features and color options are available on both systems as well.
Nokia is considering using a Linux-based OS on its high-end cellphones, according to Ukko Lappalainen, vice president at the company’s markets unit. However it’s unlikely to be Google’s Android OS; Nokia have their own Linux software, maemo, which is currently used in the N-series Internet Tablet range, and Lappalainen can’t “see anything in Android which would make it better than Linux maemo”.
The makers of the gOS Linux system, Good OS, have now announced their Cloud operating system, which will provide super fast access to web-based applications and services such as Yahoo, Google and Windows Live without having to wait for your computer to boot up.
If you’re a big audiophile and are in the market for a netbook, we might just have something for you that fits the bill. The Indamixx Laptop offers up a ton of pre-installed audio software on a Linux-based OS and the entire system falls under $500.
The Indamixx Laptop, from Trinity Audio Group, was announced today and is the perfect choice for DJ’s, producers and remixers. It uses an Intel Atom processor and makes it easy to create and broadcast your music on the web.
A unique OS called Transmission and software bundle comes pre-installed, including XT2 and Ardour, to make music production a snap. This netbook is built around music and only music, so the price tag of $499 is really pretty extraordinary. You can pre-order one now with a down payment of $99. All orders made by December 15 will arrive in time for Christmas.
Lenovo Europe have announced the availability of the IdeaPad S10e and S9e, the Instant On versions of its existing netbook range. While the hardware of both netbooks is the same as the current models – a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, up to 1.5GB of RAM, 8.9- or 10-inch display, and between 4GB of SSD storage to 160GB of hard-drive storage – the key difference is the Lenovo QuickStart functionality provided by DeviceVM’s SplashTop Linux OS.
If you want to get a netbook that’s a bit off the beaten path, you might wish to consider the Prime Note Cartina from DosPara. This netbook is Linux powered and offers up a wide array of features and will be available only in Japan. But that fact alone won’t be the sole reason why you can’t get your hands on it.
SlashGear Japan
