Other Gadgets

So I thought three monitors were cool, but...

info@santry.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Check out this video at on10, four video monitors hooked up to Vista using very large high pixel wide screen monitors in vertical display mode.

http://on10.net/Blogs/tina/vista-monitors-unleashed/

Nice!

160 GB Flash Based HDD

info@santry.com — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Seems like only yesterday when the first 30GB flash based hard drives came out, now we're talking 160GB. Adtron announced their 160GB SSD HDD is shipping.

Of course the impact of this on the UMPC as well as the portable media player industry are huge. Longer battery life and performance come along with SSD HDD technology. How about getting a 160GB Zune or UMPC? Now that sounds like something to place on my list for 2007... ....nice.

Read the full press release...

Asus W5fe Sideshow Notebook

info@santry.com — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

You've seen Sideshow, that little screen that shows you some summary information from your PC. PC Magazine has gotten their hands on one and provides you with a review as well as several pictures of this new notebook PC.

More Memory for My Phone

info@santry.com — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

With more Windows Mobile devices having MicroSD storage, SanDisk announced the release of a 4GB MicroSD HC card. Retail release is planned for later in 2007.

Official PR...

Shuttle to Supply Fully-Configured Shuttle XPCs With Windows Vista

info@santry.com — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

I love the Shuttle form factor. I have several. They look great in my entertainment center. Now Shuttle EU announced today that they released three Shuttle XPC P2 systems loaded with Vista. Here are the specs of the systems:

Shuttle XPC P2 3700GC with Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Core 2 Duo E6300, 1.024 MB DDR2, 250 GB SATA HDD, NVIDIA Geforce 7600GT Graphics, Gigabit-LAN, 22-in-1 Card Reader, Dual Layer DVD Writer
Shuttle XPC G2 3200BB with Windows Vista Business Intel Celeron D 352, 1.024 MB DDR2, 80 GB SATA HDD, Intel GMA 950 Graphics, Gigabit-LAN, 22-in-1 Card Reader, DVD-ROM
Shuttle XPC G5 3200HC with Windows Vista Home Premium Intel Core 2 Duo E6300, 1.024 MB DDR2, 250 GB SATA HDD, NVIDIA Geforce 7600GT Graphics, Gigabit-LAN, 22-in-1 Card Reader, Dual Layer DVD Writer

"The lineup of Shuttle XPCs with Windows Vista will be expanded continuously in the forthcoming weeks to offer the full media centre functionality of Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate," said Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR Europe, Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH.

http://eu.shuttle.com/vista

Wireless Pictures from your Vista PC

info@santry.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

You can now display, store and receive digital images anywhere with the launch of the Momento wireless digital picture frame from i-mate, available in February. Users can stream their digital photos from their PCs, play directly from a digital camera's memory card, and send new pictures directly to the Momento device via the Momento Live! Service ( www.momentolive.com ), allowing them to share the moment -- any time, anywhere.

As part of its optimization for Windows Vista, Momento wireless digital picture frames take advantage of Windows SideShow, allowing users to view PC based content on the Momento display screen such as email and instant message alerts, weather, stock quotes and more.

The Momento wireless digital picture frame comes in two models, the Momento 100 (MSRP $299), with a 10.2" high-resolution 800 x 480 display, and the Momento(TM) 70 (MSRP $249), with a high-resolution 7", 800 x 480 display screen.

The Notebooks Start Rolling

info@santry.com — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

All major manufacturers are announcing that their PCs are rolling out with Vista on them. Toshiba announced that their notebook line is now shipping with Vista, like the Portégé R400 with the EVDO integration and its Edge display. Other models are soon to be available as well:

Available January 30, 2007

Satellite A135 affordable multimedia notebook with 15.4-inch diagonal WXGA widescreen display (ESUP starting at $899.99²)
Satellite P105 desktop replacement with 17-inch diagonal WXGA widescreen display and external USB TV tuner (ESUP starting at $1,599²)
Satellite P105 gaming notebook with 17-inch diagonal WXGA widescreen display and NVIDIA’s GeForce Go 7900 GS Graphics Card (ESUP starting at $1,999.99²)

Available February 6, 2007

Satellite U205 ultra-portable notebook with 12.1-inch diagonal WXGA widescreen display (ESUP starting at $1,299²)

Available First Quarter 2007

Qosmio G35 audio-video notebook with integrated HD DVD-R optical drive

Dell to Offer Vista on Select PCs

info@santry.com — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Dell posted on their website this weekend Vista availability on select PCs. Prices run the same as their XP counterparts.

Get ready for Vista...

Pimped Out John Contest Now Live

info@santry.com — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

You know those guys at Rotorooter with the catchy jingle? We've talked about this pimped out john for a little while now, well now is your chance to win it. This john is loaded with an Xbox 360 core system, 20 inch LCD, iPod dock, a refrigerator with a beer tap, a toilet, and a few more gadgets. You can enter every day until April 2, 2007.

Write Your Own Plug-in for SideShow

info@santry.com — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Some of you may know me from my other blog (wwwCoder.com) which is aimed at ASP.NET developers. So the following is of interest to me.

Microsoft has released the Windows SideShow .NET Framework Components 1.0 Beta. This allows .NET developers to write their own tie in to SideShow. You can download the beta here.

Getting Ready for Vista: ReadyBoost

info@santry.com — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

A new feature in Vista is the ability to add flash memory like a USB flash drive to your PC and use it for virtual memory (emulating a hard disk drive) for fast data retrieval.

Over at ZDNet blogs Ed Bott has a great review of various tests he performed on USB flash drives to see how they stood up against the standards for ReadyBoost use.

Skype SideShow Phone

info@santry.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT

2007 is going to be the year of SideShow. SideShow enables a small screen display for your notebooks, and other devices that show summary information from the main PC. Developed by Microsoft and part of the upcoming Windows Vista OS, SideShow is sure to make a splash this year.

Asus is one company jumping into the SideShow gadget market by developing their Skype phone, the AiGuru S2 which was unveiled at the CES this year. This phone supports all the SideShow features as well as WiFi support, Media Center streaming and more.

Hat tip...

More SideShow Stuff

info@santry.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Looks like SideShow is going to be the gadget of 2007. Eleksen is producing a shoulder bag for your UMPC complete with SideShow integration. You have a 2.5 inch screen on the side as well as buttons built into the fabric for control.

Hat tip...

Vista Support for HAVA Platform

info@santry.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Monsoon Multimedia, today announced HD support and Windows Vista compatibility for the HAVA platform. The Monsoon HAVA platform features next generation wireless video streaming, place- and time-shifting capabilities, full personal video recorder (PVR) functionality and seamless integration with Microsoft Media Center Edition PCs. The HAVA platform is available immediately for OEM partnerships.

HAVA enables high-quality streaming and recording of video content from any video source, including live TV, DVD players and TiVo, to multiple PCs in a home or business -- totally wirelessly. Users can simultaneously connect to the HAVA from any Internet connection and begin enjoying their home TV with channel changing capabilities while on the go.

HAVA also enables the PC to operate as a PVR with pause, fast forward and rewind functions and allows TV content on the PC to be stored and burnt onto DVDs. Windows XP Media Center Edition PC users can utilize HAVA as a TV tuner and add full multimedia capabilities to their PCs without having the PC tethered to the video source.

Monsoon licenses HAVA's reference designs and software to large OEMs. HAVA is also available directly through Monsoon's e-tailing division at www.snappymultimedia.com for $249.00.

Netflix to Offer Downloadable Movie Content

info@santry.com — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Netflix announced today they will be offering a movie download service via your PC. This looks to be a great addition for those folks who have their UMPC or notebook connected to high speed cellular network.

More SS Disk Goodness

info@santry.com — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

PQ1 has just released two new products to start the new year. PQI's Turbo SATA DOM and Turbo SATA Solid State Disk (SSD) 2.5” 64GB both are PQI patented. The application of SATA technology and specially designed clip-on connector on SATA DOMs provide stability and prevent connectors detaching unexpectedly. The implementation of SATA interface on industrial storage is a world’s first. Another breakthrough is the maximum capacity of 64GB on Turbo SATA SSD 2.5” drives. If you are looking for fast and large capacity industrial solutions, PQI's got them!

Is this the year of SS HDDs? With announcements like this, it only means more competition and lower prices for the consumer. Think of the speed and power savings for your UMPC and PMPs.

Truly Mobile Computing

info@santry.com — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

As mentioned in a previous blog entry. The CES officially announced the relationship between Microsoft and Ford Motor Co. for "Sync" enable Ford automobiles.

CIO Magazine has more information about this current push to make your car another piece in your overall information management.

Toshiba Introduces New Laptops

info@santry.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

There is just a slew of PR coming out of the CES this week, and we're filtering it all to bring you just information that us Microsoft fanboys love.

Toshiba introduced several lines of laptops, and tablets ready for Vista. The Portégé R400 is the product of a joint collaboration between industry giants, Toshiba and Microsoft, to create the signature Windows Vista™ PC.

This laptop features wireless docking, and secondary display to monitor calendar and email information as it comes in.

In addition to the Portégé R400, Toshiba announced the Qosmio with integrated HD DVD-R currently in prototype. The Qosmio enables you to burn HD DVDs loaded with 30GB of information. Availability information and pricing will be announced later this quarter.

HP TouchSmart PC Unveiled at CES

info@santry.com — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The HP TouchSmart PC, based on Microsoft Windows Vista, features a 19-inch-wide adjustable touchscreen display, a photo printer, a personal video recorder and one-touch wireless access to digital content.

Wireless Desktop Wins 2007 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award

info@santry.com — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Wireless Desktop System from Microsoft Hardware won the 2007 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award.

This is a nice keyboard combo from Microsoft Hardware. It contains everything you need to navigate your Media Center. The keyboard is made of metal, supports bluetooth, and has a nice slimline design. It will set you back around $250 though.

Here you can see a video of the design and effort that was put into this keyboard.

Tired of the Small Phone Screen?

info@santry.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Microvision announced today that it will unveil and demonstrate during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas an ultra-thin, miniature full-color projection display that is small enough to be embedded in portable hand-held devices including mobile phones.

http://www.microvision.com/

More SS HD Goodness

info@santry.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

SanDisk is another entrant in the flash based HDD market. There SSD Ultra ATA 5000 1.8" drive will replace your existing mechanical disk. It will boost the performance of your machine with 62MB-per-second read speed and using less than half of the power needed for mechanical disks.

The drive is going out to OEMs now and will add about $600. This is still a price reduction in this market. More competition means better prices.

More Good News for Flash Based HDs

info@santry.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

In a move to give the growing number of notebook PC users faster, more durable systems that run longer on a battery charge, Hitachi*, Samsung, Seagate Technology and Toshiba have formed the Hybrid Storage Alliance. The goals of the industry group are two-fold: (1) illustrate how flash memory/hard drive hybrid technology can extend the capabilities of today's notebook computers and (2) accelerate market adoption of the technology.

"The hard drive industry is continuously looking for ways to bring greater value to the systems in which our technology resides and to those who use them," said Joni Clark, chairperson, Hybrid Storage Alliance. "Adding non- volatile memory to the hard drive brings about a host of mobility benefits that increases the value users want in notebook PCs -- longer battery life, faster response, greater system durability."

"NAND caching will emerge as an important technology enabler, especially to improve the performance of portable PCs running the Windows Vista OS," said John Rydning, IDC's Research Manager for hard drives. "Hybrid hard drives combine the best features of two storage technologies in a single product to deliver high capacity, responsive storage for portable PC users. Formation of the Hybrid Storage Alliance by HDD industry participants is prudent to raise awareness of hybrid HDD technology benefits."

Microsoft Windows Vista is the first operating system to take full advantage of the performance, power and durability benefits of hybrid technology.

"Microsoft is pleased to see the storage industry uniting to drive the adoption of hybrid hard drives," said Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President of Mobile and Tailored Platform Division of Microsoft. "Hybrid drives will leverage 'Windows ReadyDrive' features in Windows Vista to enable a new generation of mobile PCs that boot up and resume from hibernation faster, optimize battery life, outperform standard hard disk drives, and are more reliable and robust."

More Gadgets Without Wires

info@santry.com — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Another entry in the energy without wires. We blogged last week about eCoupled Technology which will be debuting at CES; well WildCharge will demonstrate its much anticipated technology and introduce two new products -- the WildCharger and the WildCharger Mini -- during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at Innovation Pod #291 at the Sands Expo Center.

The WildCharger is a flat, thin charging pad that is capable of delivering up to 90 Watts of power -- ample power to simultaneously charge and power most laptop computers and an assortment of small devices placed anywhere on its surface. Similarly, the WildCharger Mini delivers up to 15 Watts of power, capable of simultaneously powering and charging three or four small devices such as cellular phones, portable music players, digital cameras and other products. The WildCharger and WildCharger Mini will be available to consumers during the first half of 2007 and are expected to be offered at retail prices of about $100 and $40 a unit, respectively. Plans are underway to release a higher power unit in the near future.

A world without wires... ...life is good.

300TB Hard Drive In Your PC

info@santry.com — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

ITWire is reporting that Seagate has a 300TB hard drive plans for 2010 for a PC near you. This amount of storage is enough to store the entire Library of Congress without compression.