Tablet PC 2's News Archive's
July 2003
July 1, 2003
Compact GPS Receiver–Jeppesen is marketing the new IR-310 GPS receiver, which works with the company’s moving-map navigational software applications, including FliteMap and JeppView FliteDeck. The high-performance compact receiver can track up to 12 satellites at a time, reacquire satellite signals in fewer than 100 milliseconds and update position every second. Through differential capability and the use of real-time corrections, the unit offers positional accuracy to between one and five meters and is both WAAS and EGNOS capable. Its USB connection supplies constant reliable power to the receiver via a PC, tablet PC or other handheld computer. The rechargeable battery is automatically recharged during normal operation with external power, maintaining system endurance. Trickle-power allows the unit to operate in sleep mode to maximize battery life. Its other RS-232 and TTL communication ports also allow the receiver to connect to PDAs and other devices. Jeppesen; (303) 799-9090 or +49 6102 5070; www.jeppesen.com; $249.95. 4:23: p.m
Windows Chat Today at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition
Hillel Cooperman manages the team that delivers the core user interface for Windows. Ask questions and let him know what you like or dislike. 1:32: p.m
Webcast: Introduction to the Tablet PC
You've seen the Tablet PC and want to know more. In this Expert Zone webcast, Chris Barry, a Product Manager with the Tablet PC group at Microsoft, provides an overview of how to use a Tablet PC.
Description: An introduction to Windows XP Tablet PC Edition,
including a preview of the latest form factors and a demo of Tablet PC features...
1:30: p.m
Congratulations on the purchase of a Tablet PC. Locate manual, CDs, and stylus. Keep them handy for later use. Please read the manuals thoroughly before proceeding.
Turning On Your New Tablet PC
1) Set Tablet PC on table or flat surface.
2) Insert battery pack into Tablet PC.
3) Attach AC power Adapter to DC-In plug on Tablet PC.
4) Connect the optical drive (CD/DVD/CD-RW/DVD_RW).
5) Attach adapter to surge protector/outlet.
6) If you have a slate style Tablet PC, attach a USB keyboard. You will need
this to enter the operating system for the first boot.
7) Power on. You should have video. The Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Setup Wizard will appear. Follow the prompts, enter your information, and accept
the End-User License Agreement (EULA).
8) Follow the prompts to activate and register Windows XP Tablet PC edition.
9) The Tablet PC Tutorials window opens and displays links to four quick lessons
about the Tablet PC, accessories, Windows Journal, the Input Panel, and speech
features. You will want to go through each of these tutorials. These segments
are packed with tips and techniques for navigating and creating files using
your new digital stylus.
Tips for Using Your Tablet PC
10) Watch where the cursor is located on the screen versus watching the end
of the pen tip.
11) For better handwriting recognition: write cursive or mixed case. Avoid writing
in all caps.
12) If you find it difficult to tap on the system tray icons with the stylus,
you can enlarge the icons by following these steps:
a. Right click on the desktop. The Display Properties window will appear with
multiple tabs.
b. Click on the Appearance tab. (Optionally select Large Fonts in the Font Size
drop list.)
c. Next, click on the Advanced button.
d. Select "Caption Buttons" from the Items drop list.
e. In the Size box, you can set the size of these display elements. We find
that 40 is just right for the 1024x768 display resolution when using Large Fonts.
Windows XP Tablet PC Settings
13) Here are general instructions for Windows XP Tablet PC Settings. Some Tablet PCs have special utilities controlling the appearance. See manual for specific instructions on those utilities.....1:25: p.m
TabletPC Handwriting Recognition Solution Available Today
AbletWordMgr, a new solution that addresses many of the issues of TabletPC Users, has been released by the abletFactory today. This solution now makes the management and maintenance of the TabletPC word recognition engine available to all users. Recent tests conducted using abletWordMgr have shown recognition accuracy increasing from 65% to 94%. Users can now customize their systems and support multiple foreign languages, as well as add thousands of commonly used words that recognition engines will correctly recognize. This ability is enabled by the inclusion of specialized dictionaries, called SPID's.
Beta users in the medical and legal fields have seen performance and the overall usability of their Tablets increase. Users have consistently ranked navigation, ease-of-use and the ability to add thousands of words to their systems as the strongest benefits with the better recognition results.
AbletWordMgr currently ships with 30 different SPIDs which include over 1, 000,000 different and unique words. Support for languages such as Spanish, Italian, and several Scandinavian languages, that are currently not supported with the TabletPC Operating System are available. Hundreds of words can be loaded in seconds, thus eliminating the manual method that takes over a minute per word. In addition, abletWordMgr can directly import MS Word dictionaries that are already being used by MS Word spell checking systems. This protects the investments many users have already made and adds greater capabilities to the Tablets plus the benefit of substantial time savings....9:39: a.m
Things I Can't Live Without...
The things a Bay Area pizza chain owner can't live without, plus his one object of desire.
...And What I Covet
Compaq Tablet PC TC1000, $1,699 and up: "It would make taking notes at business meetings efficient. Besides, it is very cool." 9:35: a.m
The long-lasting, environmentally friendly fuel cell is one of the most hotly pursued technologies of the decade, one in which the world's largest companies—from auto giants to computer makers—are investing heavily. If successful, fuel cells could not only hasten a shift in our energy infrastructure but also power mobile computers all day on a single charge.
"There is an energy revolution happening that is similar to what we saw with the PC revolution," says Jeremy Rifkin, president of the Foundation on Economic Trends and author of The Hydrogen Economy. "Moore's Law has set in with fuel cells," he says, referring to the falling cost and increased efficiency of fuel cell technology.
The first wave of fuel cell adoption is likely to happen with miniature, methanol-based fuel cells for laptops, tablet computers, handhelds, and cell phones. Such fuel cells promise longer life and ultimately lower expenses, because methanol costs next to nothing...9:31: a.m
July 2, 2003
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 2003--Motion Computing today announced that its M1300 Tablet PC has won a Best of Show award at Planet PDA Spring 2003, the latest in a string of awards for Motion's M-Series Tablet PCs.
Planet PDA is an annual conference and exhibition that focuses on how enterprise managers can incorporate the latest mobile devices into their computing infrastructure.
"Motion Computing is the winner of a Best of Show Award because its M1300 Tablet PC stands out for its superior performance and innovation," said Rich Tehrani, president of TMC and group editor-in-chief of Planet PDA(R). "Products like the M1300 give us a true indication of the promise and growth the ultramobile computing industry has to offer."
Motion's nimble business model allows the company to rapidly transition products, giving customers the latest in technology. It was first to market with Intel(R) Centrino(tm) mobile technology in a Tablet PC, in both the 900 MHz and Intel's latest 1 GHz ultra-low-voltage Pentium M processor with Wi-Fi capabilities. With an industry-leading 12.1-inch display, which allows a full-size page view, the M1300's three-pound base configuration is compatible with all Motion M-Series accessories.
Motion's lightweight, ultramobile and durable slate design is similar in size to a spiral-bound notebook, making it ideal for pen-enabled computing in new ways and places, from hallways and subways to patient waiting rooms and living room couches. The design also avoids hinges and internal fans, two of the most fragile components of conventional notebooks and "convertible" Tablet PCs.
In addition to the Best of Show Award, Motion's Tablet PC has recently garnered CRN Magazine's Editor's Choice award, Government Computer News' Reviewer's Choice award and Planet PDA Magazine's 2002 Product of the Year. Also Motion's Tablet PC has received a host of favorable reviews from such news outlets as Associated Press, PC Magazine, CNET, Field Force Automation, Pen Computing, Government Computer News and Mobility Magazine. 10:18: a.m
Race
Electronics Go Wireless
Tacktick's Micronet System Leads the Way
B&G USA is also getting into wireless technology for raceboats,
and recently introduced a wireless PC tablet for on-deck use. The tablet uses
Bluetooth protocol with some proprietary code written by B&G. It's sold
with Deckman software, and uses an off-the-shelf transmitter. The entire package,
including the PC tablet, software, and all, will cost somewhere around $11,500.
"It's a high-end system made for the racing market," says Rob Law,
president of B&G USA. "We've discussed other wireless applications
quite a bit over the last year, and wireless is definitely on the list for us.
The issue, especially for masthead sensors, is getting power to the unit without
running a wire up the mast." 10:13: a.m
Microsoft Announces Cool eBook Promotion for Hot Summer Reading
Sixty Best-Selling eBooks Are Available for Free Download, Showcasing
Continuing Growth in eBook Market; More than 19,000 Commercial Titles Are Now
Available for Microsoft Reader
REDMOND, Wash., July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The time-honored
tradition of bringing a few bestsellers along for summer vacation reading
takes on a digital tone with today's announcement by Microsoft Corp.
(Nasdaq: MSFT) of 60 best-selling eBooks available for free* download by users
of Microsoft(R) Reader.
These books represent a wide cross-section of authors and books from a variety
of publishers, such as "A Short History of Nearly Everything," by
Bill Bryson; "The Joy Luck Club," by Amy Tan; "Fear Itself,"
by Walter Mosley; and "Beach Music," by Pat Conroy.
The 20-week promotion will feature three new titles each week, available
at http://www.microsoft.com/reader/
. Once downloaded, each eBook can be readon a user's desktop or laptop PC, Pocket
PC or Tablet PC. Each week, new
content will be made available to expand each user's personal library of
eBooks. More than 20,000 titles, including 19,000 commercial titles, are
currently available for Microsoft Reader. 10:08:
a.m
Channel
awards
Acer sticks with the channel
Acer is among the few PC vendors still focusing exclusively on
the channel with their branded products, according to Paul Cook, the company's
UK sales director.
"Throughout 2003, Acer has arguably been the only vendor not to adopt a
direct strategy. Some of our competitors believe that the only way to sustain
business in an industry that is showing single-figure growth is to set up a
direct sales arm.
"Our view is diametrically opposed to this and our loyalty to the reseller base has paid off," he said.
Acer claimed that it is the fastest-growing PC vendor in Europe
at the moment, pioneering efforts to develop the tablet PC market and working
hard at developing its channel relationships this year. 10:05:
a.m
Apple has placed an order for a 15-inch tablet computer, according to a report
by TaiwanHighTech.com.
The single sentence on the website's 'Bring on the orders' page says, 'Apple
has contracted Quanta to make its 15-inch tablet PC. This is larger than most
tablet PCs.' 10:00: a.m
July 3, 2003
Ekahau Announces the Release of Ekahau Positioning Engine 2.1
Ekahau Positioning Engine(tm)2.1 promotes a new YAX(tm) protocol for application developers
Saratoga, CA - Ekahau, Inc. today announced a new 2.1 version of Ekahau Positioning Engine software (EPE) for Wi-Fi networks. The new EPE 2.1 provides the positioning accuracy of up to 3.5 ft in pinpointing the location of wireless PDAs, laptops, Tablet PC´s and other 802.11 enabled devices. The 2.1 version includes a faster location calculation with increased reliability, and also promotes a new Ekahau Yax(tm) location protocol for application developers and OEM-partners, to easily query mobile Wi-Fi device location coordinates from any application. 10:42: a.m
An
alternative to taking the Tablets
The mobile computer has long been expected to evolve into the new book, the
dominant medium for reading, although paper will not be supplanted altogether.
Fast wireless network links have brought the prospect closer, alongside technologies like Dab, with its potential for multimedia broadcasting.
Mobiles, like books, will come in all sizes. My guess - contested by many in the industry - is that the palmtop will supplant the mobile phone (especially the Smartphone) as the most-used pocket device. For heavy use, people will turn to something the size of a sub-notebook.
This assumes that data input moves beyond the keyboard, a direction in which Microsoft has made a major, if not definitive, move with the pen interface on the Tablet PC. A better pointer to the future is the Tablet PC's ..10:39: a.m
Microsoft offers free e-book downloads
In a move aimed at bolstering the use of its Microsoft Reader program, the software giant announced on Wednesday that it would offer free downloads of e-book bestsellers over a 20-week period.
As part of the five-month promotion, users can download three e-books a week from Microsoft's Web site via a Pocket PC, a Tablet PC, a laptop or a desktop. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, and Fear Itself by Walter Mosley are among the titles offered.
About 60 percent to 70 percent of e-book customers using Microsoft Reader also use Pocket PC devices, Guren said. Pocket PC is Microsoft's technology framework for small devices, incorporating the Windows CE operating system. The framework is licensed to other companies that make Pocket PC-branded handheld devices.
"In large part, it's due to the portability of the Pocket PC. But we're also starting to see people interested in the Tablet PC," Guren noted. http://www.microsoft.com/reader/ 10:34: a.m
July 4, 2003
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July 7, 2003
Clearview
extends Co*Star Application Integration Software with New Mobileclip Wireless
Electronic Clipboard from Pharmcheck
Business Wire (press release)
Clearview Software of Amherst, New Hampshire and Pharmcheck, Inc. of Nashua, New Hampshire today announced a joint project to extend the breadth of Cleaview's Co*Star(TM) integration software by leveraging wireless, data management technology delivered by Mobileclip(TM) from Pharmcheck.
Co*Star, developed by Clearview Software, is an integration tool which extends the functionality of existing software applications, including legacy applications, thus providing organizations with an additional return on investment. Co*Star provides a new presentation layer with significant additional capabilities, taking full advantage of Windows, Internet and encryption technologies. By exploiting Co*Star's powerful capabilities and associated web-based components, a developer can significantly enhance an entire application, or select portions of multiple applications, for seamless delivery in a thin client, browser based or secure-telnet mode.
Mobileclip, developed by Pharmcheck, is a cutting-edge, wireless information-processing tool that will replace traditional slate and paper-based clipboards. With wireless portability, this rugged, lightweight "electronic clipboard" is ideally suited for data intensive operations that include data entry and gathering, forms processing, information sharing and archiving. Mobileclip's advanced design with "hot-swappable" power technology overcomes many of the limitations imposed by traditional laptop, tablet PC and PDA-centric solutions.
Co*Star users can utilize Mobileclip to access their own specialized and proprietary applications. Together, Mobileclip and Co*Star will enable them to collect, transfer and share data from remote locations (i.e. away from a stand-alone/networked workstation or database server). With this powerful new pairing, mission-critical and legacy applications can be deployed simultaneously for efficient data management, information exchange and concurrent analysis along with fail-safe satellite-based communications - in now time(TM) 2:32: p.m
AuthenTec's
TruePrint-Based Fingerprint Sensors Chosen to Secure Biometrically Enabled Tablet
PC
Business Wire (press release)
The Tatung Tablet PC Tangy 910 Features an Integrated AES3500 Silicon Fingerprint Sensor for Convenient User Log-In Access and Protection Against Loss or Theft
AuthenTec, Inc., the leader in advanced biometric semiconductor technology, announced today that the Company's EntrePad(TM) AES3500 fingerprint sensor has been integrated into Tatung(TM)'s first biometrically enabled Tablet PC, the Tangy 910. The fingerprint sensor is featured directly on the Tablet PC and allows users to more securely transport sensitive data stored on the device's operating system by requiring fingerprint identification to gain access to files.
The Tangy 910 boasts the capabilities of a laptop PC, but utilizes a digital pen to record handwriting, to save drawings, and to point to depictions on a graphical keyboard. The Tangy 910 is also the first biometrically enabled Tablet PC to run Microsoft Windows XP for Tablet PC Edition as well as all current Windows-based applications.
"Our goal was to provide our customers with a Tablet PC that can be used by anyone at anytime in a simplified manner," said Joe Chen, deputy general manager, Computer R&D Division, Tatung. "Protecting a personal computing device of such convenience meant that we had to find an equally convenient security solution, and AuthenTec's fingerprint sensor was the standalone answer."
The Tablet PC has been deployed in the U.S. to physicians and technicians within the healthcare market, as well as abroad to teachers throughout the United Kingdom's educational system.
"Our design integration into a Tablet PC marks another application first for AuthenTec," said Scott Moody, CEO, AuthenTec. "We are pleased that the results of our worldwide collaborations with developers and OEMs of consumer electronic products have come to market and are driving mass adoption for biometrics." 10:19: a.m
Download
this Tablet PC online resource guide
Source: Tech Republic
When a new technology arrives, the amount of information on the Internet devoted to it can be spotty and unreliable. For instance, there are several Web sites about Windows Longhorn, but very little can be gleaned from them since the product won't be ready for distribution until 2005 (and who knows if that date is accurate).
Tablet PCs suffered the same speculative issues when word first got out that pen-based computing was a possibility. Speculation about how the Tablet PC would revolutionize notebook computing was rampant on the Internet, with many misinformed Web sites providing second- and third-hand information.
Today, quite a bit more is known about Tablet PC technology and the many uses that industries and consumers are finding for it. This wave of interest in Tablet PCs was furthered by the release of Microsoft's Windows XP for Tablet PC Edition operating system. While Tablet PCs are still considered a new technology, the Web sites devoted to them and the new Microsoft OS are more reliable than their predecessors. 12:58: a.m
Mobile
power play
Source: InfoWorld (US)
ALL modern PC notebook designs struggle with the weight, noise, heat, battery life and performance issues of their earliest ancestors, and users' expectations have advanced far faster than mobile technology. Intel kept shrinking its Pentium 4 desktops to mobile forms, trying to keep up, but that was a race it couldn't win.
Remarkable as it seems, it wasn't until early 2003 that Intel introduced a mobile chipset (CPU and supporting components) that was designed especially for mobile use. Before Centrino, all Intel-based notebooks were based on adaptations of chips designed for AC-powered desktop computers. This was a cost-effective way to meet users' rapidly rising performance demands in the desktop and the mobile space at the same time.
Intel had a low-power processor technology, code-named Banias, in engineering for a while. But as long as the market accepted that good mobile performance meant dealing with machines that burned through pants and batteries, there was little pressure to hurry Banias's debut.
In addition to Pro/Wireless 2100, Intel requires either the 855PM or 855GM chipset for the Centrino logo. OEMs won't be opting out of this component; it's a perfect fit for the Pentium M processor. The 400MHz bus provides a desktop-speed channel between the processor and memory, graphics and I/O. OEMs that put out smaller machines, including Tablet PCs and subnotebooks, will take advantage of the 855GM, which has an integrated display adapter. But most importantly, the 855 chipset can power down battery-hungry components when they're not needed. That's what suits it so well to the CPU element of the Centrino solution. What the Pentium M processor does with its time off is as important as how well it performs. 12:55: a.m
3-pound
Tablet PC full of features
Motion Computing's M1300 solidly built
Source: Associated Press
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - In this tech-savvy nation, it's common to find untethered Web surfers at hip cafes, cruising through their mobile phones, nimbly navigating small keypads with Elfin-like thumbs.
That's a challenge for people like me, with fingers like fat and jagged screws. Bounding about the city to take advantage of the long summer nights, lazily surfing for news, entertainment and concert tickets doesn't have the luster when it's on my tiny Nokia cell phone.
In search of something more practical, I decided to examine the nascent Tablet PC -- essentially a thin laptop designed to be a 21st century digital clipboard. 12:50: a.m
Wireless
on call
Since the stethoscope, physicians have prized instant sources of vital
data
Source: The Toronto Star
In the world of medicine where knowledge and quick thinking can mean the difference between life and death, wireless tools may soon rival the trusted stethoscope.
Canada's intellectual powerhouses of research and development and cutting-edge health care companies are rapidly developing wireless devices to create the next revolution of medical gear.
One physician-centered wireless project is in the pilot stage at the University of Toronto. Engineers and medical doctors have joined hands to create a tailor-made Web-source for quick reference at the patient bedside or clinic.
The team is also developing a larger portable PC for access to more complex detailed imaging such as surgical techniques. This "tablet" device is gearedtoward research that is done in a clinical setting rather than at the patient bedside. So far, the tablet PC is powered by a modem but the goal is to create a larger mobile device as well. 12:23: a.m
Churches
Worship in the High-Tech World
source: FoxNews.com
NEW YORK — The lights are dim and the audience's eyes focus on the looming images projected before them. It's not a movie screening or a video presentation. This is a hi-tech church sermon.
In an effort to appeal to the younger, and often non-church-going population, churches are bringing technology such as cameras, projection screens and computers into their worship ministries.
Martoia, a self-described “techno freak,” even uses a Tablet PC to deliver his sermon, and said the technology has strengthened his ministry “big time!” In four years, the congregation has grown from around 300 to more than 1,000. 12:21: a.m
July 8, 2003
NewsStand
Selected by USA TODAY to Deliver Electronic Editions
Newswire Report
NewsStand Inc. has been selected by USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling newspaper, to provide digital production and delivery of its new electronic edition to readers all over the world.
Now single electronic copies and subscriptions of the USA TODAY Electronic Edition can be purchased at www.usatoday.com or via NewsStand's website. Readers can receive current and back issues of the USA TODAY Electronic Edition on their desktop, laptop or Tablet PC. 4:40: p.m
McDonald's
to Expand Wireless Web Plan
excite news
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Now residents of this technology-focused region will be able to order a Big Mac and wireless Internet access at the same time.
McDonald's Corp., which has been offering wireless Internet access at 10 restaurants in New York City, expanded the pilot program Tuesday to 55 outlets in the San Francisco Bay area. About 20 more will soon follow.
"Today's customer is more time-pressed than ever, and we think it's important to meet the needs of busy professional and family lifestyles by offering services that are easy to use and relevant," said Don Thompson, McDonald's West Division president. "We want the Golden Arches to be the first choice for a great meal and a place to go wireless." 4:34: p.m
MSN
India launches IM service
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI: MSN India, Microsoft's network of Internet services, previewed its instant messaging (IM) service, MSN Messenger 6.0 on Tuesday. It said that the new version of its free messaging service contained more powerful customisation and collaboration features that would make Internet communication more personalised.
Among the prominent MSN Messenger 6.0 features include webcamera integration that would enable users talk to each other real-time, real-time game playing, faster file transfers and tablet PC integration, which enables instant messages in scribble format and read in Messenger V6 on any PC. Users can also create their own customised and animated emoticons to suit their mood and needs...10:34: a.m
NewsStand
Selected by USA TODAY to Deliver Electronic Editions to Subscribers
Business Wire Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2003--NewsStand Inc.
has been selected by USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling newspaper, to provide
digital production and delivery of its new electronic edition to readers all
over the world.
By using NewsStand's digital distribution technology, USA TODAY can leverage
its existing editorial and print layouts -- complete with photos and advertisements
-- to create a user-friendly electronic edition with digital functionality such
as: keyword search, direct jumps to desired sections, article continuations
with one click of the mouse, quick scan of two-page spreads, and zoom-in capability
for items of interest. E-commerce and database marketing services, provided
by NewsStand, will also allow USA TODAY to efficiently and cost-effectively
expand circulation and geographic reach.
Now single electronic copies and subscriptions of the USA TODAY Electronic Edition
can be purchased at www.usatoday.com or via NewsStand's Web site, www.newsstand.com.
Readers can receive current and back issues of the USA TODAY Electronic Edition
on their desktop, laptop or Tablet PC. 10:32:
a.m
New
iPen a great way to go mouseless
Detroit Free Press
FingerSystem's new iPen Mouse is a light, comfortable way to switch from moving a mouse to writing and tapping with a pen to control your computer and enter text.
The pen is about the length of an average Bic and has a bulge like a flattened cigar. It connects to your PC via a USB plug and a wire the thickness of a headphone cord. It's comfortable to hold, even for small hands, and the cord is so thin that it doesn't drag as you write and click.
The tip of the pen is a white plastic stylus, which depresses to single- and double-click on screen. A small button on top, which you can easily hit with your index finger, acts as the right mouse button.
The pen is a cooperative venture with Pen & Internet, which makes some of the software it comes with (including riteMail for sending messages and ritePen for the pen's handwriting recognition).
Pen & Internet isn't exactly a household name, but it should be. When I declared Microsoft Windows Tablet Edition to have the best handwriting recognition I'd seen on the market so far, that was Pen & Internet's software at work. 10:19: a.m
July 9, 2003
Xplore
Announces $3.0 Million in Further Orders from an OEM Customer for Its Rugged
iX104(TM) Tablet PC
Press release
AUSTIN, TX, and TORONTO, July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Xplore
Technologies(R) Corp., a leading developer of rugged pen-based mobile wireless
tablet computers, announced today that it has received further orders from an
OEM customer for its iX104 tablet computer systems and accessories with a
value of US$3.0 million for delivery during the Company's second quarter
ending September 30, 2003.
Xplore's iX104 provides a heightened level of durability and
reliability
to customers based on Xplore's proven ruggedization technologies. As a result,
the iX104 is ideal for computing applications that are highly mobile and/or
have environmental challenges. Xplore's rugged systems have been shipped to
a
variety of customers within industries such as the Military/Homeland Security,
Warehousing, Retail, Transportation, Logistics, Manufacturing, Public Safety
(Law Enforcement, Fire Safety and EMS), Field Service, Utilities, Field Sales,
Petrochemical, Construction, Marine, Agriculture and Forestry industries.
For more information on the Xplore iX104 Tablet PC, please visit http://www.xploretech.com.
4:15 p.m
Bostonians
armed with Tablet PCs
Federal Computer Week
In a modest pilot program, Boston is providing its community liaisons with use of a Tablet PC from Microsoft Corp. to record citizen comments and complaints. This feedback may eventually be wirelessly transmitted to the mayor's office.
Instead of the pen and paper method, representatives from the Office of Neighborhood Services are filling out the constituent services form — created through Cardiff Software Inc.'s LiquidOffice eForm application on the handheld device — to take down information regarding potholes, noise, animals or code enforcement. The city is also testing a Verizon wireless network to submit such forms in real time.
If the pilot goes well, the city will buy several more devices and expand the program into other agencies and uses. Although Boston, like many other municipalities, is weathering budget cutbacks, Burlingame (whose his 120-member department took a 9.5 percent reduction) said it's the perfect time to test out and evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency. 4:11 p.m
Gold
Systems Announces Its Membership in the Microsoft Speech Partner Program
BUSINESS WIRE
Gold Systems, an independent provider of voice-powered solutions
to drive enterprise efficiency and lower costs, announced its membership in
the Microsoft Speech Partner Program (SPP) today.
"The Microsoft Speech Server is allowing Gold Systems to bring enterprise
speech recognition applications to customers via the Pocket PC, the Tablet PC
as well as the telephone. I believe that speech recognition is going to change
the way people interact with computers and Gold Systems is going to be a part
of that change," said Terry Gold, CEO of Gold Systems. 10:11
am
Microsoft
Speech Technologies Enable Enterprise Competitive Advantage
PRNewswire (press release)
REDMOND, Wash., July 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced several key milestones for bringing speech technology to the mainstream including the first public beta release of the highly anticipated Microsoft(R) Speech Server, a Windows Server System(TM), and the beta 3 release of the Speech Application Software Development Kit (SASDK). In addition, Microsoft established several new resources to engage with enterprises looking to adopt Microsoft's Speech Application Language Tags (SALT)-based speech offerings.
"Microsoft Speech Server is unique to the marketplace in
that it is the only speech server that supports both unified telephony and multimodal
applications. By building our speech technology offerings upon the open, industry-standard
SALT specification, customers can use speech to access information from standard
telephones and cell phones as well as GUI-based
devices like PDAs, Tablet PCs and 'smart' phones," 10:06
am
ESRI
and Ekahau Announce Partnership
Press Release
Saratoga, CA --Ekahau, the world leading wireless positioning technology provider, today announced that it has joined to ESRI's business partner program. Together, ESRI and Ekahau will offer enterprise customers in government, homeland security, business, education, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing with a turnkey solution for building location-based applications over WiFi networks. Ekahau's Positioning Engine is the primary technology for indoor positioning over WiFi networks. The software accurately locates any WiFi enabled device such as wireless PDAs, laptops, and asset tags to 3 meters or less. Users of ESRI's ArcIMS will be able to make use of accurate location information from Positioning Engine to build indoor tracking applications, information services, and event-type emergency services applications. Enterprise customers can also use Ekahau's Site Survey software, to plan and optimize Wi-Fi networks faster, and deliver better connectivity for wireless data and voice.
Ekahau, Inc. is a leader in location-enabling Wi-Fi network planning and engineering, using Ekahau Positioning Engine(tm) and the Ekahau Site Survey(tm) software for accurate site-level information. Tracked devices can be PDAs, tablet PC's, laptops, and Wi-Fi phones other 802.11 enabled wireless devices. Free evaluation versions of the Ekahau products are available at http://www.ekahau.com/forum/application.html. 10:03 am
Digital
ink can be a powerful productivity tool
If it becomes popular, the Tablet PC could expand our vocabulary of
expression
Bangkok Post
Enter the Tablet PC, which presents a pen interface and a natural way to jot down notes _ although the built-in wireless link can mean that you can also be on the web or office intranet, seeking some hard facts to support a point you may need to make at short notice during that meeting.
The Tablet PC could change the way we use computers in the office simply because the use of a pen suddenly makes it very acceptable around people.
I believe that it is also possible that growing popularity of the Tablet PC (and its descendents) will gradually encourage people to become more graphical in the way they express themselves, now that computers can be much more expressive _ and this can be done so easily.
I use Tony Buzan's mind-mapping approach to note-taking, linking thoughts radiating out from the centre of an A4 sheet of paper, and then tying these ideas or remarks together, as much as possible, with lines or arrows. Then, I usually annotate these notes, sometimes in colour, before writing an article based on them.
The visual layout adds to the clarity and helps in organising what I am going to write and this is a proven, if not yet a universally-accepted, way to organise ideas and even to brainstorm.
Of course, this makes for a perfect Tablet PC application, and so I downloaded an evaluation copy of Mindjet's MindManager for the Tablet PC, a finalist in last month's CeBIT America ``Best of Show'' in the personal software category and which has been getting rave reviews from the online community of Tablet PC users.
Essentially, with MindManager you can jot down thoughts or ideas as you brainstorm them (or as you take notes); then you can rearrange or reorganise them with this application that accepts pen gestures and which was completely rewritten for the Tablet PC. 7:12 am
July 10, 2003
Experience
a better flight - with Wi-Fi
straitstimes
ARMED with a Tablet PC, a stewardess will be able to tell you what your seat
number is and also what you have chosen to eat.
Pilots will also have to deal with less data on paper in the cockpit as wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi, catches on.
These were among the innovations announced yesterday at the completion of a Boeing Wireless Gatelink Technology project, which enables rapid real-time wireless communication between an aircraft and the ground. 4:10 p.m
Fujitsu's
new Stylistic
Fujitsu has launched the Stylistic ST4121, the Tablet PC with a Reflective
TFT LCD display.
Computer world - Singapore
Incorporating a front light guide with the reflective LCD panel, the Stylistic ST4121 offers optimal viewing in both indoor and outdoor conditions. When outdoors, the reflective LCD panel makes use of natural light to illuminate the screen, without the display being washed out. When in poorly lit indoor conditions, the display's front light enhances the screen's clarity.
Powered by the new Intel Pentium III Processor 933MHz-M, the Stylistic ST4121 features integrated WiFi connectivity freeing users to access and update real-time documents and information even while away from their desk.
The Stylistic ST4121 is based on the slate concept platform for
maximum portability and versatility. The Stylistic ST4121 can be transformed
from a notepad into a notebook with the addition of a keyboard and portfolio
case. By adding a Tablet Dock that includes a built-in optical disk drive, the
Stylistic ST4121's slate form factor combines to become a complete desktop solution.
10:52 a.m.
IBM
and Toshiba may launch low-priced Tablet PCs
Digi times
IBM and Toshiba may work with notebook companies in Taiwan to launch low-priced Tablet PCs, according to sources at Taiwanese notebook makers.
The two computer giants have been in frequent contact with some Taiwanese notebook makers for potential orders of Tablet PCs with retail prices to be set at around US$1,299, according to sources.
As the gap between the production costs of Tablet PCs and regular notebooks is expected to narrow to US$100-200 in the second half of this year, it will be more plausible to have low-priced Tablet PCs and demand should increase, said local notebook makers.
Both HP and Acer expect to launch new Tablet PCs this summer, according to sources. HP expects to launch its second 10.4-inch Tablet PC, manufactured by South Korea-based LG Electronics (LGE), while Acer will introduce a 14.1-inch Centrino-based Tablet PC, the TravelMate 240, with a price tag of about US$1,000. 10:48 a.m.
T-Mobile
International provides WLAN in European Starwood Hotels
Telecom.Paper
T-Mobile International and Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide signed a strategic partnership agreement that includes T-Mobile HotSpots at all 99 European Starwood hotels. The deployment of the WLAN HotSpots has started and the 24 German hotels of Starwood, including the Arabella Sheraton Group will be able to provide wireless internet access at the end of 2003.
Market Impact: Moderate on the wireless market, as this is still very much a service targeted at the business customer on the move and customers will need a PDA, laptop or tablet PC to operate the services. Nonetheless, by signing agreements with major hotel operators, T-Mobile is assured of a large number of prime sites for WLAN hotspots. 10:43 a.m.
July 14, 2003
Wi-Fi
for home electronics
silicon.com
Vendors in US starting to look beyond the laptop
The wireless adapters are another sign of how Wi-Fi connectivity is beginning to expand its reach beyond laptops. Just two years ago, it was rare to find something other than a laptop on a Wi-Fi network. Along with home entertainment devices, tablet PCs, printers and handheld computers, stereos and televisions now employ Wi-Fi's 2.4Mbps file-shuttling prowess. 10:22 a.m
Digital
Homes
BusinessWeek
Net hookups are spreading from the study to the living room, bedroom, and kitchen
Wipe your feet. You've just entered the digital home. This isn't the stuff of The Jetsons, or an episode of Star Trek. Wollack's condo is part of an Internet-driven technological wave that is rippling through houses in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Whether it's a deluxe design such as Wollack's or a bare-bones wireless network that a student can rig up for a few hundred bucks, today's digital home represents a commitment to tearing down walls. Occupants inhabit protean rooms where data move at lightning speed. Content is available anytime, anyplace, and on whatever device the owner desires. This is a world where the couch potato lounges in the living room, presses a button, and begins watching a show recorded on the TiVo in the kitchen or upstairs in the bedroom. It's a domain in which road warriors in motion snap open cell phones or tablet computers for access to music files stored at home on a PC.
THE BEDROOM Meet Jim Banks, "bed surfer." A self-proclaimed information junkie, Banks couldn't wait to buy one of Motion Computing's Tablet PCs for $2,600 last December. As vice-president for sales at Movaris, a Campbell (Calif.) consulting company, Banks loved the idea of getting rid of mountains of notepads and handwritten logs of all his meetings. When he brought his Tablet home, though, he discovered a side benefit. Instead of squirreling himself away in his home office reading e-mail and doing other work, he sits in the living room with his two children. In bed, he pages through an e-book about Jack Welch and GE and checks on the latest sports scores. "It's a great opportunity to do research, to do pleasurable stuff without getting in trouble with the wife," he says, chuckling. 10:15 a.m
Wi-Fi
pushes beyond the laptop
CNET News.com
Manufacturers are adding Wi-Fi wireless connections to media adapters that let home electronics equipment play music or show photos stored on personal computers.
Both Cisco Systems' Wireless-B Media Adapter, introduced Monday, and Sony's RoomLink rely on a Wi-Fi access point and eliminate the need for cables. Wi-Fi networks, already in millions of homes and offices, use the 802.11b standard to create 300-foot areas where files can be wirelessly downloaded at up to 11 megabits per second. Both devices cost $200
The wireless adapters are another sign of how Wi-Fi connectivity is beginning to expand its reach beyond laptops. Just two years ago, it was rare to find something other than a laptop on a Wi-Fi network. Along with home entertainment devices, tablet PCs, printers and handheld computers, stereos and televisions now employ Wi-Fi's 2.4mbps file-shuttling prowess. 10:08 a.m
ScanSoft
RealSpeak Selected as the Voice for Microsoft's Educational Initiative in Germany
Business Wire (press release)
Market-Leading, Natural-Sounding Text-to-Speech Deployed to Improve Speaking Capabilities of Young Children
ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), a leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions, today announced that ScanSoft's RealSpeak(TM) text-to-speech has been selected as the voice for the educational software developed for Microsoft's language initiative "Schlaumaeuse," a comprehensive educational project in Germany. Designed to support the speaking capabilities of young children from ages 4 to 6 in day care facilities around Germany, Microsoft's educational program is supported by UNICEF, German politicians, the Cornelesen Publishing House, and other hardware and software vendors such as Hewlett-Packard and ScanSoft.
Through late 2004, two hundred day care centers will be outfitted with a media package containing a tablet PC that includes specially developed language learning software including parts of Cornelsen's educational software LollyPop and ScanSoft's RealSpeak. In addition to other features, the children will be able to hear the words they have written on the tablet PC read out to them with ScanSoft's RealSpeak text-to-speech technology, helping them to understand the connection between written and spoken language and improve their intonation and pronunciation. 10:04 a.m
Wistron
licenses Clio convertible designs from Pinax Group
DigiTimes, Taiwan
Under the terms of the agreement, Pinax has granted Wistron a worldwide, non-exclusive license to utilize its Clio-related patent portfolio in the development of mobile computing products. The license agreement allows Wistron to develop, market and sell products based on Pinax’s SwingTop screen technology.
SwingTop employs a dual-pivot arm that allows the screen of a notebook-style computer to rotate 180 degrees and fold flat over a fully integrated keyboard; thereby, converting the computer from a laptop-style unit into a touchscreen tablet.
the SwingTop design presents a refreshing opportunity to introduce a Tablet PC, smart display, PDA, thin client device or other mobile computing product that is clearly differentiated from the current offering of convertible computing device 10:00 a.m
NEW
GADGETS: Tasty tablet
The Nation
The ViewSonic Tablet PC V1100 is a fully functional network-ready PC in convenient tablet form featuring integrated WAN, LAN and Wi-Fi functionality. Compact and lightweight at only 1.5 kilograms, the device improves the efficiency of the mobile professional both in the office and on the road. It is based on the 866MHz mobile Intel Pentium III processor, offers a 20GB hard drive, a 10.4-inch colour display and 256MB of RAM. 12:05 a.m
Catch
a new wave of technology with HP Middle East
Cnn
HP (NYSE:HPQ) announced today at its 'Catch the Wave' event in Fujairah, that was held under the patronage of the Deputy Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Hamed bin Seif Al Sharki, over 40 new imaging and printing products for consumer and business customers.
This highly successful event, which has touched down in over 13 countries in HPs International Sales Europe (ISE) region of 150 countries, aims to provide an overview of the latest imaging and printing technology. Also attending the two-day event are several ISE Imaging and Printing Executives including worldwide and EMEA product managers, Giles Davidson, ISE Consumer Sales & Category Manager and Fritz Abraschek, Supplies Business Manager.
HP will be presenting the overall strategy for the Imaging and
Printing Group (IPG), highlighting the specific benefits of new products and
taking an in-depth look at the importance of consumables. On display during
the event will be the full range of IPG products for business and consumer customers,
as well as several products from the Personal Systems Group (PSG), including
the Tablet PC and latest iPAQs. 12:04 a.m
The
Year's Best Gear So Far
Wired.com
Tablet PCs
Harried corridor warriors, rejoice. Tablets have built-in Wi-Fi capability and
are far less obtrusive than laptops. Microsoft's handwriting recognition software
is excellent - you can even do text searches of your jotted notes. - Chris Baker
SPLURGE
NEC Versa LitePad $2,399, www.necsam.com
With about the same dimensions as a clipboard, and at a mere 0.6 inches deep,
the aptly named LitePad (2.2 pounds) is the only option for people who scribble
as they stroll. Just 2 1/2 hours of battery life is a downer, but button configuration
is smart, and dual band wireless (802.11a/b) means more hot spot options.
BEST BUY
Fujitsu Stylistic ST4000 $1,999, www.fujitsu-siemens.com
It's a quarter of an inch thicker than the LitePad, but the ST400 is still a
smooth character. The ultrasuede backing keeps it from sliding - and at only
a pound more than the LitePad, it also rests comfortably on your lap. Three
hours of battery life will get you through all but the most arduous meetings.
OVERRATED
Motion Computing M1200 $1,699, www.motioncomputing.com
The touchscreen entry is sluggish, the power switch is badly placed, and after
an hour of use it gets too warm for your lap. 12:02 a.m
Winning
team returns home
taipei times
A team of students from the department of computer science and industrial engineering of National Taiwan University returned to Taipei yesterday after winning an international computer-software design competition last month in Washington.
The team won the top prize given by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) at the 2003 Computer Society International Design Competition after beating more than 300 competitors in about 170 teams from universities around the world. The team's design -- Novel Educative Wireless -- which helps teachers create a small-class digital-learning interaction with students through the use of a Tablet PC wireless system. The device also won the first "multimedia" prize offered by Microsoft Corp. 12:00 a.m
July 15, 2003
Lycoris
Unveils OS For Tablet PC Platform
Lycoris Press Release
Redmond, WA - July 15, 2003 - Lycoris unveiled its new OS for the tablet PC, Desktop/LX Tablet Edition, into the hands of tablet manufacturers and resellers this week. Seen as a giant step into a new market for the Linux software company responsible for the award winning Desktop/LX OS, Tablet Edition gives OEMs and vertical markets access to an inexpensive operating system capable of running on the Tablet PC platform 4:14 p.m
Holzer
Clinic Expands Agreement With Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
Stock World
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions , the leading provider of clinical software and information solutions for physicians, announced today that Holzer Clinic will expand their use of TouchWorks(TM) and bring the electronic medical record (EMR) to all of their 100 physicians.
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions is the leading provider of clinical software and information solutions for physicians. The Company's TouchWorks software is a modular electronic medical record that enhances physician productivity using a wireless handheld device, Tablet PC, or desktop workstation to automate the most common physician activities 12:34 p.m
Use
Microsoft's OneNote for notetaking
News 8 Austin
Taking notes is a part of school, business and everyday life. You can jot down thoughts on almost anything -- sticky pads, backs of envelopes, even your own skin.
But why waste ink (and soap) when notes can be taken electronically. Leave it to Microsoft to come up with a new way of writing and sharing.
Jot down everything about the meeting, stuff you need to do after work. Notes are saved automatically and can be filed according to a variety of categories including research, meetings and shared.
If your PC supports handwriting recognition like a Tablet PC, OneNote lets you organize your own writing into bullet points, or even to convert cursive into writing, and makes it easy to e-mail notes to others. 12:29 p.m
Is
Microsoft Office 2003 Worth the Upgrade?
NewsFactor Network
There’s no way around it. Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Office 2003, the upgrade to Microsoft’s productivity suite set to be released in the second half of this year, is a “tweener.” It is not a major upgrade that ushers in a new era of features and functionality, but it does provide a number of welcome enhancements, especially for enterprise users.
For the most part, the other new features of Office 2003 are pedestrian. Headline enhancements include OneNote, a notepad application for disparate data that accepts input from a keyboard, a mouse, a digital pen, or a microphone (OneNote may be unbundled from the Office suite); Information Rights Management, a file-level security application that enables content creators to define who is allowed to open, copy, or edit a protected document; and Business Contact manager, a customer relationship management add-on. Outlook comes with improved spam-filtering technology and message notification, and other pieces of the suite offer minor enhancements.
“We expect the OneNote application will help drive the tablet PC marketplace 8:34 a.m
New
PC just what the doctor ordered
Des Moines Register
A young Des Moines doctor hopes the high-tech record-keeping system he and a classmate developed will become as commonplace as the stethoscope in a few years.
Their system, called NorthBase, can significantly increase the efficiency of doctor-patient interviews, said Dr. Joseph Hummel, a family practice resident with Mercy Clinics in Des Moines.
The NorthBase system runs on a Tablet PC, a new generation of portable computers that Microsoft introduced in November. Tablets are the equivalent of a laptop minus the keyboard. They are roughly the size of a clipboard, weigh about 2 to 3 pounds and can be easily carried in one hand, and are priced at about $2,000. 7:22 a.m
July 16, 2003
TDV
Vison Announces Fall Shipping of First Sub-$1000 Tablet PCs
By Rita Tennyson
TDV Vison, a new global power in LCD monitors, today announces the September availability of the first two products from its Visonary line. The V800XPT is a lightweight, 8.4-inch LCD tablet PC priced at $899 . Products in the Visonary line are believed to be the first tablet PCs on the market for under $1,000.
“The Visonary line of products are the most exciting in the TDV VISON line and give users ultimate flexibility at a price they can afford,” notes Larry Wei, President and CEO of TDV VISON. “TDV VISON’s tablet PCs are an all-in-one solution for every computer user, and we expect they will find large audiences seeking the best price-performance ratio.”
The V800XPT weighs in at 2.6 lbs and in less than an inch in thickness. It features a 2200 Li-lon 2200 mAHr battery pack that lasts up to 2.5 hours and is removable and rechargeable. It also features a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor. 10:47 a.m
Grooming
tablet PCs for the masses
CNET News.com
The tablet PC is trying to go mainstream.
China's TDV Vision plans to market a tablet PC in Europe, North America and China for $900 in September. Hewlett-Packard, meanwhile, is set to start selling its own tablet to consumers through retail in a pilot program. To date, HP has targeted its tablet at corporate customers.
Tablet PCs are portable computers that let users input data by writing on the screen. Microsoft jump-started the product category in late 2002 with its Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
Although more mainstream acceptance won't likely begin until next year, manufacturers are expected to come out with new models in the next few months and are likely start to cut prices, Promisel said. Tablets running Microsoft's operating system, which require additional hardware to enable the handwriting function, sell for between $1,650 and $2,300.
TDV's model, the V800XPT, will come with an 8.4-inch screen, a 30GB hard drive, 128MB of memory and an 800MHz Crusoe chip. Like HP's tablet, the TDV machine relies on the Crusoe processor from Transmeta, which generally costs less than Intel chips. 10:27 a.m
MSN
Messenger 6.0 Launched
pcworld
Software features emoticons, Webcam service, and a possible cash reward.
Microsoft released the final version of its MSN Messenger 6.0 instant messaging software Wednesday, touting its new animated emoticons, Webcam service, and expanded device integration amid a marketing campaign designed to elbow out rivals with cold, hard cash.
Microsoft has also expanded the software's device integration,
allowing users to send and receive text messages over cell phones and personal
digital assistants, as well as send handwritten messages from Tablet PCs. 10:24
a.m
GiveMePower
Signs Compuimport as Mexican Distributor
Business Wire
GiveMePower Corporation (OTCBB:GMPW), a leading provider of desktop, mobile and wireless software solutions for the design/build industry, today announced it has signed an exclusive agreement with Compuimport S.A. of Guadalajara, one of Mexico's largest and most successful providers of specialized computer products, to distribute GiveMePower's full line of PowerCAD(R) computer aided design (CAD) software for Windows(R) desktop, Windows XP Tablet(R) and Windows CE(R) mobile/wireless computers. 10:22 a.m
Transmeta
powers first sub-$800 Tablet PC
The Register
Taiwanese monitor maker TDV Vision has announced what it claims are the first sub-$800 Tablet PC, the Visionary V800XPT.
The new machine is powered by an 800MHz Transmeta Crusoe TM5800 processor, so naturally Transmeta is jumping up and down, and shouting about the design win.
The V800XPT weights 1.2kg (2.6lbs) but its (smaller) battery lasts just 2.5 hours.
The V800XPT and the VS1200XP will go on sale in the US in September for $799 and $999, respectively. They are expected to go on sale in Europe in the same timeframe, though European pricing has yet to be revealed. 10:16 a.m
Transmeta's
Energy Efficient Processor in First Sub-$1000 Tablet PC
Businesswire
Transmeta Corporation (Nasdaq:TMTA), the leader in efficient computing, today announced that its energy efficient, 800 MHz Crusoe TM5800 processor has been incorporated in the TDV Vison V800XPT Tablet PC, the first Tablet PC priced under $1,000. This product will be available in September in North America, Europe and China for $900.
Featuring Transmeta's processor technology and weighing just 2.6 lbs, the V800XPT is an 8.4-inch LCD PC and notebook combined in one device. The product, just an inch thick, is operable in landscape or portrait mode and includes a USB keyboard module, an optional external USB optical drive, a 30GB hard drive and 128MB of DDR RAM memory that is upgradeable to 512MB. It features a built-in 640 x 480 digital camera, a built-in 4-in-1 card reader and a built-in LAN/modem. The V800XPT has an SVGA TFT LCD display with a digital pen for input of data and runs the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. It contains a VGA port, 56K fax modem, an 10/100 LAN connection, two ports for USB 2.0 and audio connections for earphones and microphones. 10:11 a.m
July 17, 2003
From
Time Keepers To Wrist Computers
Indian Express
Watches set to metamorphose into information appliances
At this time, one is not sure as to what a killer Internet appliance is. It
could be an MP3 device, a PDA, a mobile, a digital camera, or a Tablet PC. With
the convenience of wearability, a watch could well be a potential candidate.
Though the real estate for display is limited, with the rapidly growing display
technologies, watches could become information appliances too.
Though Timex and Microsoft were partners in the mid-90s, today Timex perceives Microsoft as a competitor. That is the nature of digital business — it constantly changes the contours of every other industry. 2:26 p.m
Seeing
the Doctor as a Customer
Destination CRM
Schwenger says that a major business-process shift is taking place, where sales reps are letting technology do the talking. "The tablet PC can be configured into a flexible, robust sales tool, which guides the doctor through all the data surrounding a new product," he says. "The representative now only needs to be responsible for fostering a relationship with the physician."
Using the tablet PC can help pharmaceutical companies better segment their marketing efforts, which Schwenger says has been a major problem in the past. "Segmentation is the holy grail. Before, companies with up to 12,000 sales reps could not effectively segment their promotions for all the different types of physicians," he says. But now, reps can easily prepare a presentation on a new drug tailored for the interests of a pediatrician, for example, as opposed to a general practitioner, Schwenger says. 2:23 p.m
101
Reasons Not To Get A Tablet PC
WhatIsNew.com
Here is a list of reasons we've heard people say why they don't want to buy a Tablet PC. We came up with a list of 101. (Not listed in any particular order.) There are probably more. Maybe you've got a few?
Many of the points are valid concerns. Some are misconceptions. Some can be fixed. Some are just the way it's going to be. And some will be fixed by time.
1. It's too expensive. 2. It's too small
3. It's too big. .............12:53 p.m
Smart
shopping cart designed to save time at supermarkets
wistv.com
The Shopping Buddy was developed by computer engineers who hope to make shopping a breeze for busy consumers. Frank Riso of Symbol Technologies explains, "Shopping Buddy system is a tablet PC that fits on a shopping cart and allows the customers to scan their purchases while they're shopping."
Shopping Buddy is mounted to a cart. To keep track of spending, customers use a small, hand-held barcode scanner to scan items. A wireless connection communicates the bar code to the tablet PC on the cart. Sensors in the ceiling also tell the system shoppers' locations in the store in case anyone need help or directions to a favorite product. 11:18 a.m
Manufacturers
want masses to swallow tablet PC
zdnet.co.uk
The tablet PC is going downmarket, with consumer versions set
to go on sale worldwide
The tablet PC is trying to go mainstream.
China's TDV Vison plans to market a tablet PC in Europe, North America and China for $900 (£564) in September. Hewlett-Packard, meanwhile, is set to start selling its own tablet to consumers through retail stores in a pilot programme. To date, HP has targeted its tablet at corporate customers.
Tablet PCs are portable computers that let people input data by
writing on the screen. Microsoft jump-started the product category in late 2002
with its Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 11:07 a.m
Lycoris
releases first major Tablet PC distribution of Linux
geek.com
Lycoris announced that it has developed a new version of its Desktop/LX operating system that is built specifically for Tablet PCs. The Desktop/LX Tablet Edition release marks a major first for Linux: its first foray into the Microsoft-built and dominated Tablet PC arena. 10:47 a.m
Unplugged
and ready to go
CNN.com
if you're ready to make the move to a tablet PC, Chen says the Motion Computing M1300 Tablet PC is a good bet. This model starts at $2,099, weighs in at 3.3 pounds and has a 12.1-inch screen. It also comes with a desktop stand and keyboard. For an additional $230, you can add a "FlexDock" that will allow you to use the tablet like a desktop, rotate the screen from portrait to landscape and includes all standard ports. AN external DVD/CD-RW drive will set you back $330. Chen says when it comes to battery life, this is one of the best tablets CNET has tested -- it gets just less than four hours for one battery. 2:21 a.m
Transmeta
Grabs a Foothold in Chinese Tablet PCs
silicon valley internet
Semiconductor maker Transmeta (Quote, Company Info) Wednesday said it has inked a deal that will put its chips in new low-cost Tablet PCs.
The Santa Clara, Calif.-based firm said its 800 MHz Crusoe TM5800 processor has been incorporated in the TDV Vison V800XPT Tablet PC, the first Tablet PC priced under $1,000.
In general, Tablet PCs are Windows or Linux-based computers with touch screens and features that work like laptop PCs or PDAs. Users can also input and manipulate data using a stylus. The devices have primarily been marketed to the enterprise, but so far have been a niche item with a price point that hovers around $2,000. 2:18 a.m
July 18, 2002
Transmeta
Readies New 'Astro' Chip
E-Commerce Times
Astro likely will find its way into small, mobile form factors –- such as tablet PCs -– where energy efficiency and low heat are more important than performance.
Transmeta has announced it is on track to release its newest processor, the TM8000, this fall. The company is aiming the new processor, codenamed "Astro," at mainstream notebook computers and a wide range of portable power- and heat-sensitive form factors.
The new chip represents a dramatic change in architecture for the Santa Clara, California-based company.
"The architecture has been re-engineered for a faster core," Gartner research fellow Martin Reynolds told TechNewsWorld. "What this means is Transmeta can scale the clock speed faster; they were running out of room with their old design." 5:12 p.m
The Tablet PC isn't even a year old yet, and already many solution providers are describing it as a Swiss Army Knife for computing because of its applicability to nearly every vertical market.
From doctor's offices to sales, architectural and real-estate offices, the Tablet PC is carving a niche as an everyday IT tool, solution providers told the CRN Test Center. That ubiquity, in part, stems from the long list of ISVs writing vertically focused applications that exploit the Tablet PC's wireless connectivity, digital inking, handwriting recognition and portability. The hardware, too, comes in several form factors that cater to job-specific needs (see chart, below).
Solution providers say they're finding their greatest success integrating Tablet PCs with specific software solutions. "The key is consulting around tablets, not just selling them," said Geoff Palmer, president of InfoCater, a Newton, Mass.-based solution provider that has been selling Tablet PCs and other pen-based computers to the health-care, sales-force automation and education verticals for four years. 10:12 a.m
Extra
medicine for your Tablet PC
The Advertiser News
Portable computing specialist Targus Australia has released a comprehensive range of power, connectivity and security products to meet the computer accessory needs of the growing number of new Tablet PC owners.
"Microsoft and Intel spent nearly 10 years bringing the Tablet PC concept to reality," Targus spokesman David Hollis says. "We have built on the basic concept, expanding connectivity and adding value and utility."
"From our range of miniature mice to our advanced security products, such as the latest Defcon Authenticator, all bring something extra to the Tablet PC." 10:08 a.m
Transmeta's
next-gen chip arrives in September
ZDNet
The chipmaker is pinning its hopes on the long-awaited Astro chip, which it says will beat Intel's Xscale and Pentium M for combining performance and low power
Transmeta is to launch its next-generation Astro chip in September, with the first products based on the low-power processor arriving before the end of the year, the company said on Thursday.
Transmeta also announced several new customer wins, including what it claims is the first Tablet PC priced under $1,000 (£640). The V800XPT Tablet PC from TDV Vison, a Chinese consumer and manufacturing group, is to launch in September in Europe, the US and China for $900. 10:05 a.m
Xplore's
Rugged Tablet Computing Systems Selected by City of Detroit
PRNewswire
Xplore Technologies Corp. (TSX: XPL), a leading international
developer, producer and distributor of rugged wireless tablet computer systems,
has received an order for 400 rugged
Tablet PC's for the City of Detroit Police Department. 10:02
a.m
Intel
to launch notebook Celeron processors with Banias core
PC Pro
Intel is set to start launching notebook-use Celeron processors featuring the Banias core design in the first quarter of 2004, which should encourage the roll-out of low-priced Centrino notebooks and Tablet PCs, according to sources at notebook makers in Taiwan.
The new mobile Celeron processors, starting at 1.3GHz, will use a 0.13-micron production process and support a 400MHZ FSB (front-side bus) and 512KB of L2 cache, compared to a 256KB cache for current mobile Celeron processors.
Centrino-based notebooks and Tablet PCs adopting the new mobile Celeron processors are expected to come with price tags of about $1,000 and $1,299 9:59 a.m
IBM
to launch 12.1-inch Tablet PC
DigiTimes
Computer giant IBM expects to launch its first Tablet PC, featuring a 12.1-inch display and both handwriting and keyboard input, in the fourth quarter of this year, according to sources. 9:55 a.m
Cathedral
Prep Announces $3 Million In Improvements
Action News 24
Cathedral Prep Announces $3 Million In Improvements
Cathedral Prep High School is sharing its vision for the future, and the new
look of the school.
`Sharing the Vision` is the name of the campaign that will renovate the school building.
The project will total three million dollars. Almost $800,000 has been raised already .
The project is two parts. The first focuses on improving the inside of the building with better lighting and paint. The other is the Tablet PC program, a wireless technology that allows students to use their pc’s anywhere in the building. 9:54 a.m
July 21, 2003
ZIP-LINQ SONY CLIÉ PDA SYNC-N-CHARGE CABLES ADDED TO LINEUP
For those of you who need to sync your Sony Clie with your Tablet PC.....
Cables Unlimited, a global leader in cable manufacturing, today introduced two new additions to ZIP-LINQ's ever-growing list of devices for mobile professionals. As part of an already existing lineup of PDA Sync-n-Charge cables, these two highly functional products are perfect for keeping you connected!
Now you can Sync your data, contacts, etc., all without carrying
your cradle.
Built sturdy with connectors that secure firmly into each device for a constant
and reliable connection, these little cables are sure to make your life easier!
The Sony Clié(tm) PDA T-Series (ZIP-DATA-P05) and N-Series (ZIP-DATA-P15) each with an MSRP of $19.99 will begin shipping immediately!
ZIP-LINQ retractable cables offer unparalleled technology with an innovative design, and are realistically affordable. For more details on this incredible new product, visit our website at www.ziplinq.com. 12:11 p.m.
Acer Tablet
PC from Metropolitan
dailynews.lk
Metropolitan Computers [Pvt] Ltd., sole distributors for Acer in Sri Lanka launched the Acer Tablet PC on Friday. Acer which was voted the top brand in Asia in the computer category is a Readers Digest Superbrand Hall of Fame winner for the year 2003.
The Tablet PC allows for multiple methods of natural input which enables the user to write by hand, convert writing into typewritten text, voice recognition which allows for operation using spoken commands whilst converting speech into text, together with keyboard typing and touchpad for familiar traditional data input. The Tablet PC is also equipped with SmartCard security thus giving increased control over confidential information during e-commerce transactions and other online activities, as well as Password protection preventing unauthorised access to files and programs.
The Acer Tablet PC comes with a one year International Travellers Warranty giving users the assurance that their most valued business tool is covered no matter where work takes them. The Tablet PC weigh a kilo and a half making it easy to carry around, whilst looking sleek and sophisticated. 11:37 a.m.
Transmeta
to launch next-gen Astro
ZDNet.com
Transmeta is to launch its next-generation Astro chip in September, with the first products based on the low-power processor arriving before the end of the year, the company said on Thursday.
The chip is aimed at laptops with 12- and 14-inch screens, but may also be used in high-density blade servers, small-business servers and possibly portable Ultra Personal Computer products, the company has said. Transmeta said the chip would run 50 to 80 percent faster than its current chip. The Astro, or TM8000 processor, is expected to clock in at about 1GHz.
Transmeta also announced several new customer wins, including what it claims is the first Tablet PC priced under $1,000. The V800XPT Tablet PC from TDV Vison, a Chinese consumer and manufacturing group, is to launch in September in Europe, the United States and China for $900.
The device is powered by an 800MHz Crusoe TM5800 chip, which will also be used in HP's Compaq Thin Client t5700. HP is also planning a pilot program with the TM5800 in the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000. 11:32 a.m.
Microsoft's
dog-food dietitian
ZDNet.com
In terms of technologies, tablet (PC) is a big one for us. We've already rolled out wireless networks across our LAN (local area network). We're looking for a new type of user productivity through paperless meetings and using STS (SharePoint Team Services) as sites to hold documents to increase our collaboration and increase the effectiveness of meetings. We have an initiative within the IT organization around employee productivity--not IT employees but Microsoft employees. We think the tablet plays a big role in that. In fact, we will be eliminating from our standards list all thin notebooks in favor of tablet. We'll still have the big, multimedia notebooks. But in terms of thin notebooks, we want tablet (PCs) in their hands. 11:29 a.m.
End
of a very public era for Corel
Toronto Star, Canada
By this time next month, software maker Corel Corp. will most likely be a step closer to being a privately held company — and a step further from the often glaring self-directed spotlight that it was known for during much of its public life.
But whatever happens next month, it won't be the end of Corel. While the company will still face tough challenges and an even tougher business environment, analysts are optimistic that its new technologies, which include a new graphics application specifically designed for the Tablet PC and a suite of business management software to help companies organize, among other things, will help keep revenues coming in. 11:26 a.m.
Transmeta's
next-gen chip arrives in September
Cnet Asia,
Transmeta is to launch its next-generation Astro chip in September, with the first products based on the low-power processor arriving before the end of the year, the company said last Thursday.
The chip is aimed at laptops with 12- and 14-inch screens, but may also be used in high-density blade servers, small-business servers and possibly portable Ultra Personal Computer products, the company has said. Transmeta said the chip would run 50 to 80 percent faster than its current chip. The Astro, or TM8000 processor, is expected to clock in at about 1GHz.
Transmeta also announced several new customer wins, including what it claims is the first Tablet PC priced under US$1,000. The V800XPT Tablet PC from TDV Vison, a Chinese consumer and manufacturing group, is to launch in September in Europe, the US and China for US$900.
The device is powered by an 800MHz Crusoe TM5800 chip, which will also be used in HP's Compaq Thin Client t5700. HP is also planning a pilot programme with the TM5800 in the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000. 11:16 a.m.
Hands-on
high tech from Toshiba at Lamcy Plaza
AME Info, United Arab Emirates
The latest technology in mobile computing has gone on display at Dubai's Lamcy Plaza shopping mall, where visitors were introduced to wireless technology that eliminates the need for cables, telephone lines and dial-up modems.
Toshiba presented its leading-edge Tecra and Satellite Pro range of notebooks, featuring Intel's Centrino mobile technology which has become the industry standard since being launched three months ago, as well its Tablet PC, multi-media systems, and mobiles based on Intel's Pentium 4 processor. 11:163 a.m
July 22, 2003
Gerak
Mobile plans to sell 25000 smallest tablet PCs
Star, Malaysia
Gerak Mobile plans to sell 25,000 smallest tablet PCs
GERAK Mobile Technology Sdn Bhd (GMT), which has launched what it claims to be the world's smallest and lightest tablet PC, GMTACE, expects to sell between 15,000 and 25,000 units in the first year.
“We aspire to develop into a global entity within the next three years and we cannot just depend on one product,” its chief executive officer Azhar Harun said.
As such, GMT, which has invested RM6mil to develop GMTACE, including buying the rights, expects to introduce new products every six to nine months. 5:14 p.m
Digi
Launches Wavespeed/S Wireless Serial Adapter
Wireless Developer Network
First O/S Independent Serial to Bluetooth Adapter for Wireless Connectivity in Mission Critical Applications
MINNETONKA, Minn.--July 22, 2003--Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII) today announced the launch of its new Wavespeed(TM)/S Wireless Serial Adapter, which utilizes Bluetooth (TM) technology to connect peripheral devices simply and wirelessly.
The first device of its kind suitable for mission-critical applications, Wavespeed/S is ideal for retail/POS, catering and hospitality, industrial automation, health care and mobile environments. It offers instant EIA-232 serial cable replacement with a wireless alternative that increases user mobility.
Wavespeed/S enables wireless serial data transfer between peripheral devices and a host. For example, two Wavespeed/S adapters can be paired together to create a wireless link between a PC and a bar-code scanner, receipt printer, scale or other serial device. Alternatively, a single unit can be used in server mode to communicate with a Bluetooth-enabled serial device such as a PDA, tablet PC or WAN radio. 10:28 a.m
Commonwealth
Health Taps Netilla Networks to Provide Secure Web-Based Remote Access for Physicians
in the Field
Market Wire (press release)
Using the Netilla Security Platform, Commonwealth’s staff of more than 2,500 healthcare professionals will be able to access hospital applications and tools or patient documents without the need to install additional software on an individual PC. Commonwealth is also piloting a wireless program that will allow doctors to access test results on tablet PCs while making rounds and to receive up-to-the-minute information critical to their patients without being tied to one location. 10:25 a.m.
Made-in-M'sia
Tablet PC launched
Cnet Asia
A ultralight tablet computer designed in Malaysia and which will be manufactured in the country has just been launched, according to official news agency Bernama.
Dubbed the "GMT-ACE", the computer weighs just under one kilogram and has an 8.4 inch LCD display, and its maker, Gerak Mobile Technology, claims that it is among the world's smallest and lightest tablet PCs.
A pure slate that lacks an integrated keyboard and which uses only a stylus for input, the GMT-ACE runs an Intel Pentium III processor up to 800MHz and the Windows XP for Tablet PC operating system from Microsoft. 10:23 a.m.
July 23, 2003
Advanced Application Tools Designed to Enhance Mobility and Productivity
SAN FRANCISCO, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping businesses stay
connected,
Criterion Corporation today announced they will be working with Toshiba's
Computer Systems Group (CSG) to help real estate professionals benefit from
a
new era in mobile computing. As part of the Toshiba Mobile Productivity
Solutions, the Real Estate Dashboard (RED)Tablet(TM) software application will
be pre-tested and pre-loaded onto Toshiba's Portege(R) 3500 Tablet PC 2:45
p.m
Rockwell
Automation Industrial Computers to Offer PowerCAD
Ten Links
GiveMePower Corporation (OTCBB:GMPW) today began offering industrial computer users the ability to view, markup, create and edit 2 and 3-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) drawings on Rockwell Automation's Allen-Bradley family of VersaView CE and MobileView industrial computer systems, using GiveMePower's PowerCAD CE software.
A Microsoft Mobile Solutions Partner, GiveMePower is the first company to offer full 2 and 3-dimensional AutoCAD compatible computer-aided design (CAD) processing for Pocket PC's, Tablet PC's, 11:25 a.m
Redefining
Microsoft
Seattle Weekly
Don't forget that Microsoft is a player in media (MSNBC), Wi-Fi hardware (Microsoft Broadband Networking wireless adapters), consumer electronics (Web TV's evolution into MSN TV, and the forthcoming Smart Personal Objects Technology watches from Fossil and Citizen), and—again—pen computing (Tablet PC). 11:18 a.m
July 24, 2003
Will
Longhorn rope everything together?
CNET News.com
REDMOND, Wash.--With the regulatory reins somewhat loosened, Microsoft is moving ahead with plans to more tightly integrate the development of Windows, Office and its other programs.
The company revealed elements of this strategy at its financial analysts meeting Thursday. Much of these efforts are tied to the development of Longhorn, the next major version of the Windows operating system.
Group Vice President Jim Allchin said that a second service pack
for Windows XP
is due out in the coming financial year, as are updates to its Tablet PC and
Media Center editions. The service pack for the main Windows XP operating system
will not include many new features, although there will be a few, Allchin said.
3:37 P.M.
Help
Wanted: Microsoft Hiring
InternetNews.com
Microsoft is boosting its research and development investment by 8 percent to $6.8 billion, Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates told a crowd of analysts at the company's Financial Analyst Day in Redmond, Wash., on Thursday.
The company also said it plans to expand its workforce by between 4,000 and 5,000 positions worldwide during the fiscal year, including between 3,000 and 3,500 positions in the U.S.
"It's a serious number, $6.8 billion," Gates said. "When you think about that, don't think about buying hardware or anything unusual. That is people, about 80 percent within a mile of this location, coming into work every day, finding out what kind of experience our customers are having with software, and then driving forward with the advances there."
In the meantime, Microsoft is still putting effort into the Windows XP platform. Allchin said Microsoft has now shipped 130 million Windows XP licenses, with Windows XP Professional making up about 70 percent of that mix. Microsoft plans to release Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP later this year. It will feature a host of bug fixes and security patches and a P2P networking update. Allchin said the firm will also update its Media Center edition this year, with an announcement scheduled in the next few months. A Tablet PC Edition update is also on the slate for this year. 3:27 P.M.
Toshiba
and Criterion Offer Wireless Tablet Bundle
allNetDevices
Mobile software maker Criterion this week announced that it would bundle its software for real estate workers with Tablet PCs and PDAs from Toshiba.
The San Bruno, Calif.-based company said that its Real Estate
Dashboard (RED) Tablet software application would be pre-tested and pre-loaded
on Toshiba's Portege 3500 Tablet PC...3:21 P.M.
Gates:
Microsoft Will Invest $6.8 Billion In FY '04 On Longhorn, Collaboration
CRN
The first technical beta of Longhorn will be delivered at the Professional Developer's Conference in October, and a broad beta test version will be available next year, other Microsoft executives said Thursday.
Microsoft, like Lotus, is working on better workflow to enable seamless flow of business processes between humans and applications, Gates said.
Some of the scenarios include enabling knowledge workers to launch a collaborate workspace and Web site from within an e-mail message, integrating corporate and personal e-mail views to simplify information management, advances in ink technology in its Tablet PC and forthcoming Office 2003 and OneNote products that will speed up communication and make communication more natural. 11:08 A.M.
Microsoft
plans to hire up to 5,000
CBS MarketWatch
Microsoft led off its analyst day Thursday saying it will add up to 5,000 new jobs and boost spending for research and development this year as part of a plan to advance the capabilities and presence of its software in both consumer and corporate environments.
Microsoft (MSFT: news, chart, profile) said between 3,000 and 3,500 of its new hires would be in the U.S. The company currently has more than 50,000 employees.
Additionally, Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates said the company intends to raise its R&D spending up to 8 percent to almost $7 billion in order to "provide software breakthroughs."
Gates delivered highlights of new Microsoft technological ventures, including its Tablet PC, Microsoft watch, and designs for automotive manufacturers that will run Microsoft operating systems for voice recognition and other features in future car models. 9:55 a.m
The Windows XP P2P code and SDK will enable developers--including ISVs such as Corel, Groove Networks and Microsoft--to build better distributed applications and Web services that leverage corporate network resources, including the abundant processing power of PCs, executives said. And like Sun's Juxtapose (JXTA) P2P technology, Microsoft's code will allow distributed devices to be connected together.
Corel, for instance, plans to leverage Microsoft's technology to enable collaboration on its Tablet PC graphics program, Grafigo, from various locations 9:51 a.m
Govt's
cheap PC plan lures Jade Quantum
TheNation
Jade Quantum will continue introducing new models in Thailand first. It will participate in the annual E-Expo at the end of the year and showcase its Tablet PC, the monitor of which can rotate 180 degrees 9:45 a.m
New
new things announced at Connect
Inman.com
Also at Connect ’03 today, Richard Vaughn, director of sales at Toshiba American Information Systems announced that Criterion Corp.’s Real Estate Dashboard Tablet software application will be included in Toshiba’s Portege 3500 Tablet PC and e750 Pocket PC mobile client devices. The software is intended to offer real estate agents a “new era in mobile computing,” according to a company statement. The REDTablet includes streamlined supply chain management, real-time communications management, automated process management, on-demand product data over built-in WiFi LAN and WAN, and virtual tour and logistics management. 2:01 a.m
Itronix
Unveils the GoBook Rugged Wireless Tablet PC
Mobilemag.com
Itronix Corp., recently introduced the GoBook Tablet PC, a uniquely designed, truly portable, wireless, rugged slate Tablet PC. Designed to support mobile professionals in industries such as telecommunications, utilities, government, and insurance, the mid-sized GoBook Tablet PC weighs only 3.7 pounds, making it the smallest and lightest Tablet PC in the rugged category. The GoBook Tablet PC can support up to three wireless networks concurrently, operates on the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system, and is powered by an Intel ultra-low voltage 866-MHz mobile Pentium III processor. The GoBook Tablet PC will be available for delivery in September 2003.
It comes with a unique hand-strap, shoulder strap, and carrying case for hands-free use and portability. 12:44 a.m
July 25, 2003
Microsoft
To Ramp Up R&D, Hiring
TechNewsWorld
says it plans to spend nearly US$7 billion on research and development in the current fiscal year and will add as many as 5,000 jobs, including at least 3,000 in the United States, as it pushes toward what it sees as a bright future for software despite the tech downturn.
While making it clear that it would seek to remain the gold standard for traditional computing platforms, Microsoft also used the conference to highlight its focus on new devices, from Internet-enabled watches to advanced mobile phone software and Tablet PC platforms that can draw information from several sources.
Earlier in the week, the software giant announced that two of the biggest cable companies in the United States plan to test-drive its set-top box software. 11:09 a.m..
Enterprise-class
IM management technology
AlwaysOn
The reality of IM, is that people use whichever IM network(s) they want—AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo, Lotus—whenever they want. So it’s clearly not adequate to support just one IM network. IMlogic has partnered at the choke points (at all of the IM networks themselves), to ensure consistent 2-way communication regardless of network or device (PC, cellphone, PDA, or tablet). 11:05 a.m.
July 28, 2003
Xplore
shares get big boost from Dell deal
Forbes
Shares in Xplore Technologies Inc. <XPL.TO> jumped 35 percent to a 19-month high on Monday after the computer firm said it reached a deal with Dell Inc. (nasdaq: DELL - news - people) to sell Xplore's portable tablet computers to the U.S. federal government. 2:50 p.m
Hong
Kong Chip Supplier Launches Chinese MPU
Electronic News
Hong Kong-based chip supplier Culturecom Holdings Ltd. has begun shipping a microprocessor intended for use by the Chinese market.
Culturecom’s V-Dragon embedded processor is Linux-based and features CPU character generating technology, which it claims is able to generate about 32,000 (extendable to over 50,000) traditional and simplified Chinese characters, and is also capable of supporting ASCII characters. Such character support is an essential inroad to the domestic Chinese market.
The V-Dragon processor is being aimed embedding in products such as handheld devices and tablet PCs. 1:58 p.m
Text
messaging slashes paperwork
New Zealand Herald
It may no longer be the most exciting technology in the mobile world but text messaging, with a bit of clever back-end integration, is cutting swathes through paperwork and saving businesses money.
Auckland wireless software developer Econz is gaining momentum with E-Services, an automated dispatching system, which is proving useful for companies managing large mobile workforces.
Job requests are fed into E-Services online, with the requests queued in the customer database before being allocated to the appropriate mobile worker via text message. With a smartphone or handheld computer, the worker can log details of the job, noting part orders and billing information. This is then sent back to the database.
E-Service operates over the two main handheld computer standards Pocket PC, Palm, with Tablet XP, .Net and client devices, ranging from handhelds to tablets and Smartphones supported. 1:55 p.m
Venali
Puts `Fax over Internet' in Hands of Early Adopters; Launches Innovative Nationwide
Demonstration Program
BusinessWire
The VITA events will take place in a different city each month - with San Francisco, New York, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Seattle and others to follow Las Vegas. Guests will have the opportunity to utilize a Tablet PC connected to a WiFi (802.11b) wireless network, to experience how easy it is to send and receive faxes over the Internet. A fun team-based trivia game utilizing FoIP to submit answers quickly will show everyone the efficiencies made possible only by Venali. Venues will include sport arenas, theme restaurants, entertainment centers and more. Venali will also provide glimpses of upcoming products in development. 1:52 p.m
Acer
America and Intel(R) Hit the Road for Resellers
Yahoo News
Acer's Award-Winning Products Featuring Intel Technology and Cash Prizes Highlight Breakfast Meetings in 16 Cities Nationwide
SAN JOSE, Calif., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Acer America Corporation, one of the leading worldwide suppliers of personal computing solutions, today announced their first ever joint nationwide reseller roadshow showcasing the Acer Authorized Reseller Program. The Acer breakfast events, co-hosted by Intel® Corporation, will include demonstrations of Acer's award-winning family of TravelMate® Convertible Tablet PC's and TravelMate notebooks with Intel® Centrino® mobile technology, Veriton® desktops featuring the Intel Pentium® 4 processor with HT Technology and Altos® servers.
The Acer/Intel breakfast events will begin on August 12, 2003 and continue through November 13, 2003. Event attendees at each city will be eligible to win cash sales prizes of up to $1500. Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for an Acer TravelMate 290LCi notebook computer which will take place in November. Additionally, resellers who attend will also receive details on how to win one of ten monthly cash prizes of $250 by participating in online Intel Centrino mobile technology training. 1:49 p.m.
Acer
Introduces First Sub $1K Laptop Featuring Intel(R) Centrino Mobile Technology
PRNewswire
TravelMate 290 Delivers Unbeatable Combination of Performance and Price
SAN JOSE, Calif., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Acer America Corporation, one of the leading worldwide suppliers of personal computing solutions, todayannounced the first notebook PC featuring Intel(R) Centrino(TM) mobile technology to be offered for less than $1000. The TravelMate(R) 290, combines elite, industry-leading performance and integrated wireless options in a stylish 2-spindle design that boasts a rich feature-set previously only available with higher priced offerings.
"The announcement of a laptop PC featuring Intel Centrino mobile technology at the sub-$1000 price point is a true industry breakthrough 10:37 a.m.
Xplore
Tablet PC to be sold exclusively by Dell to US Federal
Government
PRNewswire
Xplore Technologies Corp. (TSX: XPL) announced today that Dell
is now the exclusive vendor of its General Services Administration (GSA)-listed
rugged tablet PC to the United
States federal government. Dell will market Xplore's rugged iX104G Tablet PC,
ideally suited for the tough working conditions in the military and homeland
security markets, through its GSA schedule contract (No. GS-35F-4076D) and other
Dell contracts available to the U.S. federal government. 10:34
a.m.
Here
are the highlights from the Featured Expert column:
Business Wire
Mobility Electronics (NASDAQ:MOBE) provides mobile computing products for the notebook computer, PDA, tablet PC, smart phone, and cell phones. The company was a development and acquisition company in 2002, and in the first quarter of 2003 brought its iGo Juice product to market. The product appears to be filling a niche in the mobile computing market. The product provides travelers with a single power adapter that can be used to recharge a laptop, PDA, or cell phone, and works either from a regular outlet or through an automobile, boat, or airplane power source. 4:06 a.m.
NEC
Electronics America to Begin Sampling 8.4-Inch XGA TFT LCD ...
PRNewswire
NEC Electronics America, Inc. today announced that sample shipments of the 8.4-inch XGA thin-film transistor (TFT) color liquid crystal display (LCD) module (part number NL10276BC16-01) will begin in August 2003.
The 8.4-inch XGA TFT display's advanced feature set makes it suitable for a variety of applications, many of which have been slow to make the transition to LCD usage. Through fast response time, reduced color shift and a wide viewing angle, entertainment and broadcast equipment needs are met with this product. The high resolution, reduced color shift and high contrast ratio are ideal for instrumentation applications and portable medical/patient monitors. The XGA resolution also enables graphic-intensive Microsoft(R) Windows(R)-based applications, making this display ideal for portable monitors and tablet PCs as well. 4:04 a.m.
Getting
Better, but...
BusinessWeek
When Microsoft (MSFT ) Tablet PC made its debut last year, it seemed a bit like a solution in search of a problem. Notebook computers and slates that let you enter data in handwriting and store it either as "digital ink" or convert it to text had a big "wow" factor, but it was hard to see their practicality outside of some specialized markets. While I still think it will be a couple of years before Tablets become truly mainstream products, new hardware and software show glimmers of an interesting future. 3:56 a.m.
CONSUMER
GUIDE: Wireless laptops
Detroit Free Press
Coffee shops, copy centers, libraries, classrooms, entire college campuses, businesses, hotels, convention centers, yacht clubs and truck stops are all adding the ability for customers to drop in and surf. Even the McDonald's fast-food chain is experimenting with wireless. Diners in several hundred New York, Chicago and California locations can order up Wi-Fi and fries.
Tablet or standard: Tablet PCs offer all the features of standard laptops, plus a radio-wave-transmitting pen that can be used to take notes or draw right on screen. They're becoming more and more accepted.
Tablets are no substitute for a desktop, and they tend to be more expensive than an equivalent standard laptop. For convenience, they are very slick. They aren't for writing term papers or business reports, though.
Type of wireless connection included: There are three common flavors of Wi-Fi. They all start with the numbers 802.11, so concentrate on the letters and you'll have it down in no time. 3:52 a.m..
July 29, 2003
Upheaval
on the Storage Scene
PC Magazine
"Existing portable storage solutions in today's consumer electronics products are too expensive, too slow, too fragile, or too power hungry for the coming generation of mobile devices," said Werner Heid, president and CEO of Iomega, in a statement. "Iomega's new DCT platform is different. It is being designed to offer the industry a low