What is the OQO Model 2+ lacking? [UMPC]

OQO model 2+ brought a heap of advancements when compared to it’s predecessor OQO model 2. But, many people were expecting a lot more from the the Model 2+.There is an ongoing talk going at oqotalk.com, where the people are discussing what ‘more’ that they expected from the OQO model 2+. Here is the mini-list:

  • Micro-SD slot: The microSD slot provides the users to easily move data from one device to another. People really yearned for this feature in the Model 2+
  • Front facing camera: Front facing camera is required to do Skype video calls and for other video conversations. People expected it to be a standard feature in the third generation OQO
  • Screen Resolution: The screen resolution has not gone any change since the first generation of the OQO. The WVGA resolution (800×480) is not enough for providing enjoyable web surfing experience. The resolution is simply not even enough to edit the office documents on the go. They should have upped the resolution to the 1024 x 600 to provide decent web experience to the people.

Although the inclusion of web camera would be a debatable issue as in some organizations, the camera-equipped devices are not allowed. But, the OQO should give that as an option rather than not offering it at all.

It looks like the OQO Model 3 will satisy those people.

Samsung NC20 details and specifications leaked (along with it’s user manual!) [Netbook]

Samsung is going to roll out a new bigger-than-netbook device, NC20. Samsung seems to be following the path of Dell by coming up with a netbook with 12.1-inch display. Well, you may wonder if it is so big, then why are we still considering it as a netbook. The reason is the specifications. Samsung UK has already put up a page for downloading the NC20’s manual.  Here are the quick specifications of NC20:

Samsung NC20 details and specifications leaked

1.3 GHz VIA Nano U225 processor
12.1-inch display
160 GB Hard Drive
1GB RAM
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
3-in-1 card reader
1.3 megapixel camera

Update: not only the user manual, I can also see a BIOS update too!

Related Samsung NC20 webpage [engadget]

Acer 10-inch netbook will be released in February 2009 [Netbook]

Despite the fact that the Acer joined the netbook game later than the ASUS, Acer’s Aspire One was the best selling netbook of the year 2008. Digitimes is now reporting that Acer will soon be coming out with a netbook with 10-inch screen. It will be manufactured by Compal Electronics and will be available in 3 colors: black, white and red. The 10-inch Acer Aspire One will be available in February 2009 at a competitive price of $399.

The original Aspire one was also launched at $399. Whether it would come with built-in mobile broadband is still unknown. Also, it would be great if the Acer engineers are able to squeeze in the 10-inch display in the original Acer Aspire one’s body. There is a lot of free space around the screen, which can be used to put in a 10-inch display. I hope they use the same chassis and keep the size as compact as possible.

Circuit City liquidates

The second largest retail chain in US, Circuit City announced today that it will seek Bankruptcy Court approval to begin the process to liquidate the assets of the company.

“We are extremely disappointed by this outcome. The company had been in continuous negotiations regarding a going concern transaction. Regrettably for the more than 30,000 employees of Circuit City and our loyal customers, we were unable to reach an agreement with our creditors and lenders to structure a going-concern transaction in the limited timeframe available, and so this is the only possible path for our company,” said James A. Marcum, vice chairman and acting president and chief executive officer for Circuit City Stores, Inc.

The company does not anticipate any value will remain from the bankruptcy estate for the holders of the company’s common equity, although this will be determined in the continuing bankruptcy proceedings.

Read the official statement here

StopWatch 2.0 released and reviewed [Windows Mobile]

There are a lot of times when we need a stop watch and we are not carrying one. Your Windows Mobile smartphone is there to rescue! With StopWatch 2.0, one can enjoy the experience of a quality stopwatch. The developer, Martin Kaldma (nitramk at xda-devs) has come with a great stopwatch application.

The author has made every effort possible to make the application look like other HTC Diamond specific applications.

Continue reading “StopWatch 2.0 released and reviewed [Windows Mobile]”

Palm Treo Pro review [huge review!]

Palm Treo Pro is the first Palm Smartphone with built-in WiFi. WIth a built-in QWERTY keyboard and numerous Palm enhancements, does the Treo Pro makes itself as a worthy contender to the rest of the Windows Mobile range? Read on and find out!

Packaging

Palm has really outdone itself with the packaging. It’s nice, classy, and simple.

Unfortunately my package seems to be lacking the regular flat pins that are common here in the PH. I will try to contact palm about this.

What’s in the box:
Palm Treo Pro

Palm wired stereo headset

Li-ion 1500mAh Battery

micro USB sync /charge cable

AC adapter with interchangeable plugs.

Documentation Continue reading “Palm Treo Pro review [huge review!]”