Archives for April 2006
Push email coming to a Dopod near you
Reuben Lee | Apr 07, 2006
Microsoft Singapore execs recently confirmed that Dopod will be offering firmware updates with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for its Asia-Pacific customers with Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. The new ROM upgrade, which is expected to be available on the Dopod Asia Web site in the next two to three months, will provide users with push email capabilities and other minor enhancements such as storing of contact information on the service for easy access from the phone.
According to Microsoft, HP's upcoming GPS-enabled iPaq hw6900 series and rw6800 Multimedia Messenger will be one of the first Windows Mobile 5.0 devices to have the Messaging and Security Feature Pack preinstalled in the handheld. Other PDA vendors such as O2 are expected to announce similar firmware upgrades in the coming months.
Nomad
Juniper Foo | Apr 07, 2006
In a paranoid world, this GPS tracker-on-a-lanyard would be standard issue. Fortunately, we haven't reached that sad stage yet (one hopes). So Nomad, as this SOS device is called, is really more of a lifesaver for those working in potentially dangerous situations, and for peace of mind for the elderly and vulnerable. It's a simple unit that works on the GSM network. You can preprogram it to speed-dial directly to a contact center or send alerts of up to three contacts in the event of emergencies. There's also GPS built-in for location tracking and remote activation, which is a relief if you're lost in the big beyond. Upclose, the Nomad looks a tad plasticky. But if it can save lives, who cares?
See upclose | three views
Price: N.A.
Availability: Nomad
Device: SOS tracker
Basic specs: Lithium-ion, 90-min talktime, 100-hr standby, SAR 0.3w/kg, triband model, 97.5 x 62 x 28mm
Net Cowboy vintage Skype phone
Juniper Foo | Apr 06, 2006
Talk about cultural displacement. Here's a Japanese company with an American-sounding name of Digital Cowboy, rolling out a Skype handset that's a throwback to a 1930s Western Electric rotary dial telephone. The DC-NCTEL1 Net Cowboy, however, is at heart a product of the present, with push buttons replacing the rotary dial (does anyone even remember how to use that?) and USB 1.1 powering the handset. In the best Bogart style, here's talking to you, kid.
Skype all you want with Sony's Skype mouse | read Mobile Ojisan's take on it | see big image
Via News.com blog
Price: 5,480 yen (US$46.60)
Availability: Japan
Device: Skype phone
Basic specs: Compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, 260 x 130 x 145mm, 740g
This GPS takes photos
Damian Koh | Apr 06, 2006
In-car global positioning systems (GPS) took a whole new meaning when Navman introduced its new portable navigation device featuring NavPix. Now, you just need to click on the picture of your destination and you'll get directions to the place.
You must be thinking: If only it's as simple as that. In fact, according to Navman, it is.
The built-in camera on the iCN700 series allows the user to snap pictures of places he might want to visit again in future. These images can be uploaded and stored within an album on the company's Web site. In addition, users can also download photos from a shared online library or even assign complete longitude and latitude information to any digital picture.
Too bad rocketing fuel prices and costly car maintenance have promptly stopped us in our tracks getting one of these. But if you are residing in Europe, the iCN720 will retail for 399 pounds and the iCN750 for 549 pounds, including VAT.
Intel-based iBooks in June?
Darius Chang | Apr 05, 2006
Since the launch of MacBook Pro in January, Mac aficionados have been given a Fordist choice: They can have any screen size--as long as it's 15.4-inch. And with only two configurations to choose from, the MacBook Pro is Apple's first baby steps into the realm of Intel-based Mac portables, doesn't offer the options of its previous PowerPC laptops.
But there's hope yet. According to a report from financial news network AFX News, Asustek Computer, a PC manufacturer which has its own Windows-based notebook line, has been contracted by Apple to produce Intel-based iBooks. The same report also mentioned that the new laptops will have 13.3-inch displays and are due for retail shelves worldwide this June. Apple has declined to comment on this matter.
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