Apple assigns new Senior VPs of iPhone Software, Mac Engineering

Apple Inc. last week extended its executive branch from ten to twelve members, creating a new position to oversee its iPhone software experience and appointing its first senior VP of Mac hardware development, AppleInsider has learned.

Scott Forstall, formally the vice president of platform experience and more recently vice president of iPhone software, was promoted to Senior Vice President of iPhone Software. He'll lead a team responsible for delivering the software found at the heart of the Cupertino-based company's iPhone handsets and report directly to chief executive Steve Jobs.

The Apple veteran holds a Masters in Computer Science from Stanford University and was one of the original architects of Mac OS X and its Aqua user interface. During his 11-year tenure at the company, Forstall has been responsible for several releases of the operating system, most notably Mac OS X Leopard. Prior to Apple, he also worked alongside Jobs at NeXT, where he developed core technologies for the platform.

Joining Forstall atop the Apple's management team is Bob Mansfield, who was named the company's Senior Vice President of Mac Hardware Engineering, becoming the first public face of Mac systems development since the rocky departure of Tim Bucher back in November of 2004.

Butcher, who had held the position under the title of 'vice president' for just six months, later filed a lawsuit against the electronics maker for wrongful termination, claiming he was fired for discriminatory reasons and deprived of due compensation.

In the complaint, he said that Tim Cook, now Apple's No. 2 in charge, suddenly asked him to "go home" one day. Jobs later allegedly told him, "People sometimes think you are manic-depressive…. I'm not sure what I am going to do, but I think I am going to have to ask you to leave the company."

Apple did not name a successor for Bucher immediately and instead assigned a team of workers to oversee Mac hardware development that included Mansfield, in addition to Dan Riccio and industrial design chief Jonathan Ive. Though there were reports that UMAX founder Peter Mehring eventually succeeded Bucher, Apple never confirmed that information publicly.

Mansfield is believed to be the first 'Senior' Vice President of Mac Hardware Engineering and will report directly to Cook. Under his new role, he'll continue to lead an expansive team of hardware engineers that have delivered dozens of breakthrough Mac products, including the new MacBook Air and the all-in-one iMac.

Alongside their executive promotions, both Forstall and Mansfield were awarded a grant for 25,000 restricted Apple stock units worth more than $4.17 million as of May 30th, the day the two signed regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The stock units are scheduled to vest in full on March 24, 2010...

via appleinsider 

AMD Announces its Highest-performance Mobile Graphics Chip Ever for HD Visual Computing on the Go

TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)----AMD  (NYSE: AMD) today announced the ATI  Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3800, tripling top-of-the line graphics performance in comparison to the previous generation ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) GPUs(1). Joining the previously announced ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) 3000 family, the new ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series offers notebook manufacturers the ability to deliver fast graphics performance, energy-efficient 55nm graphics processor technology, amazing video playback, and, for the first time ever, ATI CrossFireX(TM) technology for a mobile graphics solution. ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series coupled with the AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra Processors, the AMD 7-Series Chipset, and industry-leading wireless technologies like 802.11n Draft 2.0 form the next-generation AMD notebook platform, also announced today, for the ultimate in HD visual performance on the go.

Notebooks equipped with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series allow users to experience the power of HD with graphics processing designed for work and play to satisfy the needs of the most demanding graphics professionals on the go.( 2)

"The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 is the most feature-rich notebook graphics solution we have ever produced," said Matt Skynner, vice president of marketing, Graphics Products Group, AMD. "It's an 'uber-performance' chip that beats all comers. Our notebook manufacturing customers now have the ability to create the ultimate in notebook solutions that feature amazing energy efficiency coupled with next-generation, unsurpassed mobile graphics technologies."

As the only high-performance mobile graphics solution capable of supporting applications created using Microsoft (R) DirectX(R) 10.1(1), ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series offers superb HD game performance and life-like realism for The Ultimate Visual Experience(TM). New PCI Express(R) 2.0 support enables fast throughput and superior overall system performance -- ideal for high-performance gamers. Notebooks with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series will allow users to enjoy the latest Blu-ray movies in full-HD 1080p resolution(2) and free the CPU for other tasks. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series also provides break-through energy efficiency with improved performance-per-watt to deliver exceptional battery life.

The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 features a variety of new technologies designed to improve overall notebook performance:

- The Ultimate Visual Experience(TM) is enabled with next generation Unified Shader Architecture, immense processing power and a 256-bit GDDR3 memory interface. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series delivers feature-rich graphics for astonishing image quality and optimal 3D modeling application performance.

- ATI CrossFireX technology for mobile graphics delivers high-performance PC gaming by combining multiple ATI Radeon(TM) graphics in a single notebook PC to increase graphics quality and performance. ATI CrossFireX is designed to the latest industry-standards for notebooks today.

- PCI Express 2.0 offers more than enough horsepower for the most demanding professional graphics applications by boosting 3D graphics performance while providing fast throughput resulting in an excellent overall system performance.

- ATI Avivo(TM) HD Technology is the high-performance engine for advanced image and video technology, while freeing the CPU from compute-intensive video decoding tasks. ATI Avivo(TM) HD Technology delivers smooth full HD format video playback and photo editing with brilliant colors and sharp images, ideal for professionals demanding the next level of display technology excellence.( 2)

- Energy-efficient 55nm graphics processor technology helps extend battery life and conserve energy.

- ATI PowerPlay(TM) technology dynamically delivers the optimal balance between performance and power to suit performance requirements for long battery life and superior performance-per-watt operation.

- Breakthrough Performance-per-watt is critical to users who demand exceptional performance and power saving features that help lower power consumption.

- New design size implementation allows the chip to run cool, producing less heat so that notebook delivers the power, performance and efficiency users crave.

About AMD

Advanced Micro Devices  (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in the computing, graphics and consumer electronics markets. AMD is dedicated to driving open innovation, choice and industry growth by delivering superior customer-centric solutions that empower consumers and businesses worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, ATI, the ATI logo, Avivo, CrossFireX, PowerPlay, Radeon, The Ultimate Visual Experience and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

1. Based on internal AMD testing using an AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra 2.4 GHz platforms using AMD M780G, 2GB PC-6400 memory, Windows Vista Ultimate(R) SP1, with one system using an ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3450 GPU and the other using an ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3870 GPU. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 delivers three times the graphics performance over the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 as noted by 3DMark05 scores of 4000 for the ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3450 and 13000 for the ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3870, and by 3DMark06 scores of 2000 for the ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3450 and 8000 for the ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 3870.

2. HD movies can be viewed on HD-enabled panels.

AMDJohn Swinimer, 905-882-2600, ext. 2704 (PR)Johnm.swinimer@amd.comorRuth Cotter, 408-749-3887(IR)ruth.cotter@amd.com
  via money.aol

AMD Announces Revolutionary External Graphics Solution for Notebooks

Portable ATI XGP(TM) Technology Unlocks Notebooks for Enthusiast-Class Desktop Graphics Performance and True Multimedia Upgradeability

TAIPEI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMD (NYSE:AMD - News) today announced ATI XGP™ (External Graphics Platform) Technology, a new external PCI Express^® (PCIe) 2.0 graphics platform, designed to deliver enthusiast-class desktop graphic performance and true multimedia upgradeability to notebooks¹. ATI XGP is an exclusive technology that capitalizes on PCIe 2.0 to deliver enthusiast-class graphics via a connected cable to an externally powered and cooled device. This unique innovation delivers up to 4.0 Gbyte/s in each direction in bandwidth communication between the notebook and external graphics, whereas previous consumer level external solutions were limited in graphics bandwidth². ATI XGP is fully optimized for new AMD Turion™ X2 Ultra notebook platforms, also announced today.

ATI XGP Technology is being first launched with the newly announced ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3800 series for eye-catching HD graphics. As an industry first for notebooks, ATI XGP Technology delivers multi-GPU capabilities of scalable performance with ATI CrossFireX™ technology. The additional high bandwidth of the included USB 2.0 connectivity allows users to connect to a wide variety of USB-based devices, including external TV tuners, external Blu-ray players, and much more.

“With ATI XGP Technology, notebooks can switch between everyday computing and hard-core gaming with a simple plug-in that’s also portable enough to bring powerful 3D performance on-the-go,” said Matt Skynner, vice president of Marketing, Graphics Products Group, AMD. “This technology allows users to choose notebooks with slim, lightweight and elegant designs, yet enjoy the full performance of a traditional desktop gaming rig wherever it’s convenient.”

Björn Fehrm, head of Strategy and Innovation Consumer, EMEA, Fujitsu-Siemens Corp., said: “Powered by ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3870 in an external AMILO GraphicsBooster, the ultra mobile AMILO Sa 3650, with ATI XPG technology, takes on two very different but equally compelling personalities. Use it for your daily computing with the internal graphics for outstanding mobility and battery life. Dock it to your AMILO GraphicsBooster when coming home, in a hotel room or at a LAN event and now your gaming and multimedia performance is in another world.”

ATI XGP Technology is contained in an external chassis connected to the notebook via a specially designed self-latching, easy-connecting PCIe 2.0 cable from Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited, a leading provider of electronic devices and connectors. Based on AMD’s dedicated research and development, the cable also provides USB 2.0 connectivity directly to the notebook allowing for additional USB functionality. Independently cooled and powered, ATI XGP Technology offers the potential for higher performance than traditional entry-level graphics solutions. Notebook users can take advantage of the varied usage scenarios including multiple monitor support, high performance gaming, Blu-ray video playback, and increased graphics performance for video editing³.

“ATI XGP Technology is cutting edge and we’re excited to participate in this revolutionary solution for notebooks,” said Mark Saubert, marketing manager, Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited. “ATI XGP Technology redefines what mobile graphics is all about.”

The initial offering of ATI XGP Technology features the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800 series graphics solution giving notebook users a variety of additional functionality:- PCI Express^® 2.0 offers more than enough horsepower for the most demanding professional graphics applications by boosting 3D graphics performance while providing fast throughput resulting in an excellent overall system performance.

- ATI Avivo™ HD Technology that delivers smooth video playback and photos in high-definition format with brilliant colors and sharp images

- ATI Avivo HD technology features an enhanced version of AMD’s Unified Video Decoder (UVD) offering full hardware acceleration of video decode for smooth playback of full 1080p content from Blu-ray movies⁴

- Integrated Digital Outputs enable viewing standard and high-definition content on a variety of devices including HDMI with integrated audio and DVI⁵

For more information about ATI XGP Technology, please visit: http://ati.amd.com/technology/xgp/index.html

About AMD

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD - News) is a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in the computing, graphics and consumer electronics markets. AMD is dedicated to driving open innovation, choice and industry growth by delivering superior customer-centric solutions that empower consumers and businesses worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

© 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, ATI, Avivo, CrossFireX, PowerPlay, Radeon, The Ultimate Visual Experience, Turion, XGP and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

¹ ATI XGP Technology requires a notebook equipped with an ATI XGP Technology connector

² Alternate solutions are single lane PCI-E 1.1 operating at maximum 0.25 Gbytes/s

³ Additional USB-based components may be required

⁴ 1080p-capable monitor required

⁵ Performance, technologies and features listed can vary with specific notebook implementations. Please consult with Notebook vendor for a complete list of supported features.

AMD Public Relations
John Swinimer, 905-882-2600, ext. 2704 (PR)
Johnm.swinimer@amd.com
or

Ruth Cotter, 408-749-3887 (IR)

ruth.cotter@amd.com

via biz.yahoo 

I’ve never said that being a demo guy doesn’t have its perks. And today I’ve got my privileged hands on a brand spanking new Asus Centrino 2 (“Montevina” for us nerds) system, as I blog away under the sexy glow of my new mobile powerhouse. Mmmmmmmm…..Asus M51VA with a Penryn P8600 2.4Ghz (drool); I can feel the high-K love quadrupling my words per minute as we speak. Well, not really. But I do want to finish up my post so I can get back to playing, er…testing, World of Warcraft over the live Fitel WiMAX network here in Taipei.

That’s right. You heard me correctly. Montevina, WiMAX; live in Taipei. Kind of strange to say it all in one mouthful, but it’s finally here.

When WiMAX ships with Centrino 2 later this year, no add on card required, the Echo Peak mini-card hidden under the hood (like the one inside this Asus) promises the “always on” connection we’ve been lusting for. And now my Fitel WiMAX connection serves up a steady stream of bits while I leisurely stroll with it around the TICC to put it through the paces. How’s the streaming video, you ask? Kobe looked pretty good scoring 39 to put the Lakers in the NBA finals from my Slingbox back in the States (place/time-shifting, oh how I love thee). Skype rings clear as a bell, except maybe for the drowning concert of scooter horns that screech from the busy Taipei traffic. But online gaming over a live carrier network has long been my holy grail around WiMAX. Here from my outside park bench, after downloading my Warcraft client, I’m able log into the game world to slay all manner of goblins and over sized gerbils. It’s not the raw speed I’m looking for in this scenario, but the responsiveness, so my game character isn’t cut to ribbons by a rabid squirrel while he scratches his head awaiting the next delivery of network packets to tell him to run the hell out of there (cough 3G cough).

The best part of it all? It feels like WiFi, but I’m outside, and I can’t even SEE a Starbucks from where I’m at. Freedom!!! Only thing I have to worry about is the rain.

Oh Montevina, you crafty minx. You broke our hearts with the launch delay, but with all the new Centrino 2 platforms to be shown this week at Computex, it won’t be long before we kiss and make up with the promise of what will be the highest performing and best connected Centrino yet. More to come on Fitel’s WiMAX network and the other Intel Centrino 2 models here at Computex. But for now, please excuse me. It’s WoW time...

via  blogs.inte

Asus Shows off Atom-based Eee PC

Sony Appears Ready to Ship Via-based Mini-laptop

Sony appears ready to release a small, low-cost laptop that uses a processor from Via Technologies.

A prototype of the laptop, based on the open-source Via OpenBook reference design announced last week, was shown by contract manufacturer Quanta Computer at WiMax Expo, an exhibition being held alongside the annual Computex show in Taipei.

The laptop will begin shipping during the third quarter, Quanta said.

A check of the laptop's properties confirmed the laptop is based on a 1.6GHz C7-M processor from Via and listed Sony as the manufacturer. When the existence of Sony's name on the machine was pointed out to a Quanta executive manning the booth, he quickly closed the properties window and declined to explain why Sony was listed as the manufacturer.

Sony executives were not immediately available for comment.

Quanta, the world's largest maker of laptop computers, produces machines for many of the world's biggest brands and is typically bound by contracts that do not allow the company to discuss its customers. However, computers produced under contract normally list the customer as the manufacturer rather than the actual producer.

If the prototype laptop is indeed being produced for Sony, that is a significant boost for Via.

Via has recently gained ground in the processor market with its C7 chips, which are well-suited to low-cost laptops despite being less powerful than high-end mobile chips from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices. Via faces growing competition in this segment from Intel's Atom processor line, but has continued to win more orders with designs like Hewlett-Packard's Mini-Note 2133.

The OpenBook reference design was developed by Via to reduce design cycles for system makers that want to use the company's C7-M processor.

The OpenBook is based on Via's 1.6 GHz C7-M processor and VX800 chipset. The design includes an 8.9-inch screen with a resolution of 1,024 pixels by 600 pixels and calls for a hard disk with a capacity of 80G bytes or more. The basic wireless module included in the design supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Optional modules include Assisted GPS (AGPS), WiMax, and support for 3G (third generation telephony) cellular networks.

The OpenBook-based prototype shown by Quanta was running Windows Vista Home Basic. Specifications of the machine include a 60G-byte hard disk, 1G byte of memory, and WiMax support.

-- Dan Nystedt in Taipei contributed to this story...

via news.yahoo 

Asus offers £10 high-capacity battery upgrade for Eee PC 900

Asus has finally decided to throw a bone to Eee PC 900 buyers who are unhappy that their laptops came with a smaller battery than expected.

Owners can send their original 4400mAh battery to an Asus service centre and for £10 + VAT (but inc P&P), they'll get a 5800mAh battery in return. Not quite the same as the free battery upgrade Asus extended to unhappy Hong Kong Eee PC 900 buyers, but better than nothing – and Asus was really under no obligation to anything at all, in this case

The offer is expected to be available from 10th June and in the meantime, Eee PC owners can download a BIOS update that Asus claims will add half an hour to battery life. Full details of the Asus announcement and the whole Eee PC 900 battery imbroglio after the cut.

Complaints about the Eee PC 900’s battery arose because review units in the UK were sent out with a 4400mAh battery. Since the Eee PC 701 had a 5200mAh battery, cautious reviewers were quick to check with Asus about what battery would ship with final production models.

When Mobile Computer reviewed the Eee PC 900, an Asus spokesperson told us that the battery capacity hadn’t been finalised yet, but it would probably be a higher capacity cell than the one we had – so that’s what we said in the review. In fact the Eee PC 900 eventually shipped in the UK with the same 4400mAh battery as those first review units.

So far, this was just a case of bad luck – that “probably” statement from Asus is hardly binding and anyone buying an Eee PC 900 hoping to receive a bigger battery would have done well to check its specifications with the vendor first.

But here’s where things get a little more convoluted.

Eee PC 900s sent out for review in the US came with a 5800mAh battery, and that’s just what customers got. Review units in Hong Kong also had a 5800mAh battery, but retail units actually came with a 4400mAh battery – and that obviously made customers angry.

So angry, in fact, that Asus eventually claimed that review units were sent out with bigger batteries by mistake. In a wise PR move, it also offered Hong Kong and Singapore buyers a free battery upgrade to the 5800mAh cell.

Alas, despite howls of protest from UK buyers feeling similarly hard-done by failed to impress Asus UK. Its official response was that it “offers different solutions in different markets. In EU countries, we use 4400mAh battery. However, we give a two-year warranty within the country you bought the Eee 900.” So, longer warranty > bigger battery.

However, Eee PC 900 owners weren't buying this (the official response, that is – they’ve already bought the Eee PC 900) and in a lengthy debate taking over at EeeUser, some owners demanded a bigger battery for free, while others are more sanguine and think Asus are in the clear.

So, this announcement from Asus is something of a surprise, though some forum posters stated they they were given advance warning by Asus when they called to complain. All credit to Asus, however, for recognising that the customer is always right, even when they might be wrong. Let's just hope that it's going to recycle those returned 4400mAh batteries in an environmentally responsible way...

Asus has also released a BIOS update that it claims will extend battery life by 30 minutes or so. Version 0601 of the BIOS update is available to download from the Asus support website.

The full announcement from Asus is below.  ..

via mobilecomputermag 

Qualcomm Says Windows Mobile 7 Key for Mini-laptops

Mobile phone chip giant Qualcomm on Monday showed off a mini-laptop that could cost around US$299 and offer quick wireless access to the Internet via 3G (third generation) mobile telecommunications networks.

The laptop, made by Taiwan's Inventec, is small and streamlined because the low-power chips inside don't need much space to disperse heat. But it runs on a Linux OS, which is less familiar to most people than Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Windows Mobile 7, which is made for chips used in mobile phones, will be more laptop friendly than older versions of Windows Mobile, said Luis Pineda, senior vice president at Qualcomm, on the sidelines of a news conference in Taipei.

Windows Mobile 7 could be a key for the mobile phone industry in the future if they hope to take a bite out of the growing market for mini-notebooks such as the Eee PC that have 7-inch to 10-inch screens, weigh less than 1 kilogram and connect wirelessly to the Internet.

The Eee PC is based on chips made by Intel, and runs PC programs such as the Windows XP OS and Microsoft Office. Asus also sells a version loaded with a Linux operating system and other open-source software.

Mobile phone industry chips can't run programs designed for PCs because of the difference in PC processors versus mobile phone processors, so Microsoft years ago created Windows Mobile to get its software into handsets.

Qualcomm hopes Windows Mobile 7 will make its Snapdragon chipsets a more vital competitor in mini-laptops as it takes on PC processor makers Intel, AMD and Via. The Qualcomm chipsets come with 1GHz Arm processing cores and Qualcomm technology to connect mini-laptops and other gadgets to 3G mobile phone networks.

One advantage for mobile phone chip makers is that they have worked from the start to create low power products that give off little heat, because mobile phones are small and people want handsets with long battery life. Now that they're moving into bigger products like laptop PCs, the advantages become clearer in longer battery life and more streamlined designs-- since they don't have to include heat sinks for hot-running chips.

Companies that make chips for PCs paid little attention to power consumption in the past because desktops plugged into walls. There was lots of space inside a desktop and no battery. Over the past several years, however, they have worked hard to reduce power consumption and heat dissipation in chips aimed at laptops.

Qualcomm was not immediately able to say how long the battery in the Inventec laptop might last. The product is not available yet, but similar products could be out by the end of this year, said Pineda.

Snapdragon is already being used in the development of around 20 products, including personal navigation devices from Mio Technology, as well as products from High Tech Computer (HTC) and Samsung Electronics, he said.

"You'll see a big presence in Snapdragon-based devices at CES 2009," he said, referring to the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which will be held Jan. 8-11 next year...

via news.yahoo 

  Qualcomm Says Windows Mobile 7 Key for Mini-laptops,amd, intel, luis pineda, LuisPineda, qualcomm, snapdragon, umpc, via, windows mobile 7, WindowsMobile7,Laptops

Mini-Review MSI Wind NB

Yesterday CNET UK let the cat out of the bag and released an early hands-on with the MSI Wind NB. We concur with CNET UK: the MSI Wind is one kickass system. I have been playing/testing the Wind for the last week and putting it through its paces.

We are restricted from talking about the system’s chipset and its resulting performance until the NDA breaks on June 3 at 4:00 a.m. (EST), but we are allowed to detail our first impressions of the hardware and the system itself.

Stay tuned for our full review of the system, but in the meantime check out our hands-on video of the system and the large gallery of images.

Larger Footprint and Screen
At first sight, the pearl white MSI Wind looks like an Apple MacBook. Its minimalist design and rounded edges scream Apple. However, the system also looks strikingly similar to the white ASUS Eee PC, though it’s a bit bulkier, thanks to the Wind’s 10-inch screen. Measuring 10.23 x 7.08 x .74-inches and weighing just under 3 pounds, the Wind’s footprint is a tad bulkier than the other mini-notebooks we have seen. It is still very small notebook and easily fit in my shoulder bag.

The 10-inch screen is a sheer pleasure. If you thought 8.9 inches gave the Eee PC some much-needed space, the Wind’s 10-inch screen is like spending the night in a king-size bed. (Ahh, so spacious!) I have been able to work on this blog post on one half of the screen and open GIMP to edit pictures on the other half. I haven’t had to scroll horizontally through any Web pages; windows and Web sites all fit to size.

A Full-Size Keyboard
Below the spacious screen is an adult-size keyboard. If the Eee PC’s keyboard is a one-bedroom apartment, the Wind’s is a mansion. The keyboard is very spacious and doesn’t require me to type in a hand-puppet shape. The matte keys aren’t as soft as the HP Mini-Note’s, but they provide solid feedback.

My one complaint about the Wind’s hardware is its small trackpad. Measuring 2.0 x 1.7 inches, the trackpad on the Wind is disappointingly small and similar to that on the Eee PC 4G; it requires a bit of backtracking. It also lacks a scroll bar. The mouse button, a single bar that serves as a left and right click control, is also less than ideal. It lacks a divot to separate the buttons, feels mushy, and requires a firm press. Since the system sports Bluetooth 2.0, I’ve been navigating with a Bluetooth mouse.

Smooth XP Navigation
Our review unit is preloaded with Windows XP Home and is priced somewhere in the $500 range —a pretty sweet deal, if you ask us (MSI has told us we’ll be getting a more official price next week). I am enjoying running XP on the system, and all the standard XP software is preloaded. A $399 SUSE Linux version will also be available.

The system has 3 USB ports, mic and headphone jacks, an Ethernet port, a 4-in-1 card reader, and a VGA port. It was a snap to hook up to my 19-inch Dell monitor to the system.

As far as the Wind’s hardware goes, we are seriously impressed. As for performance, here is a hint, it is equally, if not more, impressive...

via blog.laptopmag 

Splashtop comes to ASUS Notebooks

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- DeviceVM today announced the release of their award winning Splashtop™ software on numerous ASUS notebooks. Splashtop is a light-weight operating system that allows consumers to use their computers seconds after hitting the power button. Models spanning a wide range of segments are to ship with Splashtop pre-installed by ASUS starting in June this year.

"The integration of Splashtop into notebooks represents a big step forward in portable computing, where instant 'on' and 'off' is essential," said Mark Lee, co-founder and CEO of DeviceVM. "We are pleased to introduce Splashtop to portable computing together with our partner ASUS."

With Express Gate, users will experience a new, fast, and secure way to surf, chat and play on ASUS notebooks for a new computing experience.

"ASUS is always committed to bring customers the most innovative solutions," said Henry Yeh, General Manager, ASUS Notebook Business Unit. "With Express Gate, users will experience a new, fast, and secure way to surf, chat and play on ASUS notebooks for a new computing experience."

ASUS booth will showcase Express Gate at Computex in Taipei International Convention Center TF1L & 101B, June 3-7. Please come by for more information.

About DeviceVM
DeviceVM, Inc. is a privately held software company offering Splashtop, an award-winning 'instant-on' platform that improves the personal computing experience. In cooperation with OEMs and system vendors DeviceVM integrates Splashtop into personal computers worldwide. Founded in 2006, DeviceVM is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in Taiwan and China. Discover more at www.splashtop.com.

Useful Links:
http://www.splashtop.com/blog/
http://www.computextaipei.com.tw/

Press contact:
David Speiser
Stage Two Consulting
david @ stagetwoconsulting.com
650-515-6635

via emediawire