iPAQ rx4000 is HP's latest Mobile Media Companion. It features a 2.8-inch wide touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Windows Mobile 5.0 and scroll wheel for a one-handed operation. Consumers can download VoIP software to make free PC-to-PC calls. It will be launched in October in Asian market for an estimated price of US$ 300. No word on when it will be available in other parts of the world.
Apple has announced a recall for 1.8 million lithium-ion notebook batteries due to the same overheating issues that moved Dell to recall 4.1 million units last week. In both cases the devices were manufactured by Sony. The affected batteries were sold worldwide between October 2003 and August 2006 for use in the 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. Consumers are advised to remove the batteries and use the AC adapter until a replacement arrives.
Dell has announced a voluntary recall for 4.1 million batteries sold with Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Precision Mobile Workstation notebooks between April 1, 2004 and July 18, 2006. All units were manufactured by Sony in Japan or China. The procedure is considered the largest battery recall in the consumer electronics industry. Dell has stated that “under rare conditions” the batteries can overheat and, thus, pose a risk of fire. Consumers are advised to eject positively identified batteries and to rely on the original AC power adapter until another unit is available.
Apple has initiated a recall for 15-inch MacBook Pro batteries sold between February and May 2006. Some of the units do not meet performance standards. The company stressed that the batteries do not pose a safety risk and may be used until a free replacement arrives. The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC.
VIA has released the VX700 chipset, a single chip solution that, according to the company, allow a 40% reduction of ultramobile PC form factors. The chipset is paired with the C7-M processor. The VX700 includes UniChrome Pro II 128-bit video (clocked at 200 MHz) and supports 533 MHz FSB, up to 4 GB of DDR2-533 memory, two Serial ATA and two Serial ATA 3 Gb/s ports, six USB 2.0 ports and eight-channel audio.
Apple today launched its long-awaited Intel-based MacBook consumer-oriented notebooks. The machines are available in white and black with either a 1.83 GHz or a 2 GHz Core Duo processor. Other specs include 13.3-inch glossy display, 512 MB of DDR2-667 SO-DIMM memory, 60 GB or 80 GB hard drive, slot-loading SuperDrive, one FireWire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11g, Gigabit Ethernet, iSight built-in camera, MagSafe power adapter and remote control. Compared to the MacBook Pro, it lacks the Mobility Radeon X1600 discrete GPU, replaced by a 64 MB Intel GMA950 core with Mini-DVI output. Prices vary from USD 1,099 to USD 1,499.
The IEEE 802.11 Working Group reproved draft 1.0 of the 802.11n wireless standard in today’s vote. Just 46.6% of the electorate thought it was ready to move to the next step while a 75% majority was needed. Members will now address reported problems, such as with interoperability, on a 2.0 version. The new 802.11n, to be finalized this year, is expected to allow speeds of up to 600 Mbps.
As anticipated, Apple today launched its new 17-inch MacBook Pro, powered by a 2.16 GHz Core Duo processor. The company claims that it is five times faster than the PowerBook G4. Other specs include 1 GB of DDR2-667 memory, Mobility Radeon X1600 GPU with 256 MB of GDDR3 and 120 GB hard drive. The notebook comes with an 8x SuperDrive, built-in iSight camera, infrared remote and AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connections. Retail price is USD 2,800.
Nvidia has officially launched two mobile versions of its flagship GPU series. The GeForce Go 7900 GS and GTX pack known technologies such as Shader Model 3.0, high dynamic range (HDR) and PureVideo H.264 hardware acceleration. The GTX model offers 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth and 12 billion pixels per second fill rate while the GS is limited to 32 GB/s and 7.5 billion. The chips are initially available in Dell and Toshiba notebooks.
ASUS this week unveiled the final specifications of its Lamborghini VX1 notebook. The machine, to be available later this month, will feature a 2 GHz Core Duo T2500 processor, GeForce Go 7400 GPU with 256 MB (up to 512 MB through TurboCache), 1 GB of DDR2-667 memory, 120 GB hard drive and dual-layer DVD-RW unit. It also packs 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. The VX1 has a 15-inch 1,400x1,050 SXGA display and promises extended battery life thanks to ASUS‘ proprietary Power4 Gear+ power management tool. Priced at 2,800 euros, or around USD 3,400, the notebook will be sold in black or yellow through regular retailers and Lamborghini’s online shop.
