02:41 PM by sUnShInE in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

Three writers from Digital Media Thoughts spent some QT with the OQO at CeBIT this week and share their impressions.

The jury has been out on this super-hybrid laptop/ppc pda for some time, based primarily on the company's constant push back on the release date, leaving many to slam it as "vaporware". The authors chief complaints seem to be less about form and function (save for seemingly minor touchscreen and keyboard issues), and more to do with economics: How do you justify something that's not exactly a laptop and more powerful than a pda, for laptop prices?

Read their thoughts and check out pix here. Btw, the company is still aiming for a Fall release, FWIW.

My questions veer more towards the state of play in the pda market. Is this the solution to stagnancy? Who's gonna buy this thing? I know alot of truly mobile professionals, and I can't say too many of them would opt for this over an old-fashioned laptop. Many of my friends freak out if they get less than 11g wifi!

12:53 PM by Alexander Turcic in Archive | iSilo/X

Two weeks after the release of RC1, iSilo/X V4.05 now enters release stage RC2. iSilo is available for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Windows, Windows CE Handheld PC, and Windows Mobile Smartphone. Changes include only bug-fixes from RC1:

Fixes for Palm OS:
- When copying to the card, the progress dialog may not display.
- When copying, copying settings may incorrectly copy another document's settings instead of the source document's settings.
- When opening a document fails, a fatal error may result, requiring a reset.
- After copying, deleting, or renaming a file, the Categorized, Favorite Folders, and Device & Storage views would not be updated with the change.

Fixes for PPC:
- Using a button mapped to autoscroll may result in unusual behavior (e.g., Start Menu appearing when attempting to stop autoscroll with the button).

You can download iSilo V4.05 RC2 here and iSiloX V4.05 RC2 here.

03:56 PM by brahamt in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

Apple Computer continues to release the most innovative products. Their latest success is called the AirPort Express and it allows you to:
- Listen to your iTunes music library anywhere in your house
- Share a USB Printer
- Share a Broadband connection
- Create or extend a wireless Network

It runs using the 802.11g standard, has connections for USB, Ethernet, and a mini-audio jack, and provides all of the above in one small package.

To see more information about the AirPort Express visit
Apple

To find out how the AirPort Express works, visit
MacWorld

02:14 PM by Zire in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

An interesting piece regarding the petfrog which was the cover story for the last issue of newsweek before the Ronald Reagan issue is one of the coolest concept devices that I have seen yet. The people at frog design were asked to design a concept phone/pda. I think that it is right up my alley and I thought that I would share. Find out more at http://www.frogdesign.com/company/ne...5_petfrog.html .

12:49 PM by Zire in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

Here is info from PDARCADE for an upcoming Astraware game. I have had the pleasure of playing this game myself and I have to say that it is pretty cool. The main feature that I like is that the game does not last long only around 5 minutes to 30 minutes depending on settings. The sounds and music are pretty cool too. You'll enjoy this one once it comes out.

Astraware's upcoming game, Strange Adventures In Infinite Space is due for release any day now.

"Strange Adventures fetures:
- 21 different ship types
- Over 60 different weapons, drives, shields, gadgets and artefacts
- 18 alien lifeforms
- 17 different planets and star types
- 7 unique alien races
- Average Playing time of 5-20 minutes per game
- Infinite replayability, thanks to randomly generated star maps and scenarios
- Dynamic sound effects and all new original music score
- Available for Palm OS® 4.0 and above high resolution colour devices and -Windows Mobile™ for Pocket PC"

05:42 AM by Colin Dunstan in E-Book General | News

According to Open eBook Forum, the sales of ebooks have increased by 46% this year compared to the same time last year.

"This quarter eBooks have hit a new high mark for sales," stated Open eBook Forum President Steve Potash. "eBooks represent the fastest growing segment of the publishing industry," he added.

I guess that is good news for all us ebooks lovers!

04:51 AM by Colin Dunstan in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

Astraware has released a new game called Tantric (trial available, purchase the game for $17.95).

"Tantric is the 'all singing all dancing' update to the classic puzzler that was Abysma. It sports a stylish new look, and a stunning musical soundtrack.

Simply plug the gaps with existing pieces to prevent the descending bar from travelling over any spaces. Tantric starts off fairly calmly but as the levels increase so does the number and complexity of the shapes so you will soon find yourself racing to fill the gaps before the bar gets the better of you."

11:05 AM by Colin Dunstan in Archive | Portable Audio/Video

Creative has just introduced the Zen Touch portable audio player, with a 20 GB 1.8-inch hard drive and an astonishing 24-hour battery life (that's about 3x that of an iPod). Another cool feature is the touch pad:

"The Zen Touch is so simple and fun to use because the Touch Pad makes it easy to find your favorite songs, or you can just hit the random button for a mix of music to match any mood," said Lisa O'Malley, senior brand manager for portable audio at Creative. "Plus you can take the Zen Touch on long trips and leave the power cable at home without worrying about the rechargeable battery running out."

Unfortunately, like the iPod, the Zen Touch only plays MP3 and WMA; Ogg Vorbis support is missing.

You can preorder this new toy at Amazon.com for USD 269,99.