Lenovo's first Netbook. Might Apple be working on something similar?
(Credit: Lenovo)
Apple CEO Steve Jobs danced around the idea of Apple releasing a so-called Netbook, but such a device might already be in the wild.
The New York Times' John Markoff reported Tuesday that anonymous sources at an anonymous Internet search company (wonder which one that is) have spotted the tracks of an Apple device with a screen larger than an iPhone, but smaller than a MacBook, in their visitor logs.
That is by no means proof that Apple plans to release a small MacBook in the Netbook vein, but could be evidence that Apple's plans for this category are a little more concrete than Jobs suggested during an earnings conference call.
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There are a lot of Firefox users out there, and there are a lot of MacBook users as well, which means a lot of people use Firefox on a MacBook. And those users might be getting a special treat in future releases of the browser.
On his informative blog, Edward Lee, a Firefox developer, spills on steps he's taken to include gesture support for MacBooks in the next version of the browser.
For those unfamiliar with gesture support, Apple introduced the functionality to the MacBook line a couple of years ago. It allows you to interact with your computer by just moving your fingers across the touch pad. For example, in most programs you can scroll down by dragging two fingers down the touch pad without having to click any buttons.
But the Firefox controls go a little further, including other gestures for navigating your tabs, handy, indeed.
There's no word yet on whether this neat feature will make the final build, but MacBook users everywhere should hope it does. Anyone who uses the gesture support in any other application knows how intuitive it is and how it can really make any app more usable.
Yesterday, we brought you a hands-on with 3M's micro projector. We mentioned that it was a first from a large, well-known technology company because we know of other tiny projectors from smaller brands. The Aiptek PocketCinema V10 is one of those.
Like the MPro110, this handheld projector uses LCoS technology, gives a 640 x 480 resolution, and produces an image up to 50 inches diagonally. Because 3M cannot share with us which companies license its technology, we have no idea if this Aiptek is essentially a rebranded 3M projector.
What we do know is that it does quite a bit more. Aside from just projecting images from laptops and mobile phones, the V10 also has an SD card slot and 1GB of memory internally so you can play images and videos without connecting it to anything. Rounding up the features is a remote control that is also included in the package.
All these extras don't come cheap though, costing about US$488 from Firebox, quite a fair bit more than 3M's US$360 asking price.
The idea of having a projector that fits in the palm of your hands has been floating around for ages. There have been prototypes shown off by various companies but it looks like 3M has beaten everyone (i.e. mainstream technology companies--there are micro projectors from lesser-known Asian OEMs) to the chase with a real commercial product, the MPro110. Representatives from the company gave us a demo of the product. Here are our thoughts. Read more »
Traditional chargers may soon go the way of modem ports as fuel cell batteries become a reality. Where once such technology resided in huge power cells which were double the size of normal batteries, the latest prototype from Panasonic is actually viable as it is about the same volume as your current cells.
Using 200cc of concentrated methanol, the new fuel cell can power a notebook for up to 20 hours, while fitting into current battery slots. Recharging is also relatively instantaneous and simple, requiring the user to top up the methanol levels. However, there was no mention of safeguards during the top up process, which is a serious consideration since methanol is very flammable and volatile. There are also other models available for smaller electronic devices.
Set to be commercially available in 2010, juicing up your machines may soon take on a literal meaning.