LG to launch 10-inch MOMO netbook with 3G

LG is promising its customers a 10-inch netbook that includes built-in access to HSPA-based 3G data networks, calling it the X110 MOMO (for More Mobile) and listing it on its website. A variant of the regular X110 and its Korean equivalent the Xnote Mini, the MOMO includes the same 1.6GHz Atom chip, 512MB of memory upgradeable to 1GB, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and optional Bluetooth module. Hard drive capacity is more customizable and will include an 80GB, 120GB or 160GB hard disk drive. A 4-in-1 memory card reader will be built into the netbook, and Windows Vista Home Basic will be preloaded rather than XP or Linux. An Ethernet jack and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi will act as connections to the Internet and networks. The X110 MOMO will be available in white, black or pink and LG claims that with the standard 3-cell battery (a 6-cell battery is optional), it will tip the scales at 2.6lbs. The keyboard of the X110 MOMO is allegedly large enough for comfortable typing and touts a full-sized Shift key.

No other information has been released by LG, including which network carrier, if any, the hardware manufacturer will team up with to offer the subscription to 3G data networks. Pricing is expected to range between $500 and $600.

AMD intros budget Radeon HD 4550, 4350

AMD early Tuesday took its Radeon HD 4000-series chipsets into ultra budget territory with two video cards that promise better performance than their prices would suggest. The Radeon HD 4550 and Radeon HD 4350 have just 80 stream (effects) processors versus as much as 800 for the Radeon 4800 series but are still capable of full DirectX 10.1 and current OpenGL 2.x effects, rendering them some of the least expensive cards capable of their more advanced visuals. The new chipsets are also some of the only ones of their type to have 7.1-channel audio pass-through over HDMI and the option of DisplayPort.

Power consumption and noise are also treated as staple features of the new hardware and turn them into low-cost options for home theater PCs looking for full Blu-ray hardware decoding. Either consumes less than 20 watts even under strain and optionally use passive cooling that renders them completely silent.

Both the 4550 and 4350 should be available in October and will primarily come from third-party card makers such as ASUS, GigaByte and Sapphire. AMD plans to undercut much of NVIDIA's present-day lineup and will sell the 4350 for as little as $39 for a 256MB version. The 4550 costs only slightly more at $55 and doubles the onboard video memory to 512MB.

The Guardian toasts your hard drive in 30 Seconds

Chicago (IL) - You got a hot tip the Feds will be knocking your door in a few hours with warrants to bust your illegal data operation. You've got a lot of hard drives to demolish and little time to do it. What do you turn to? One option (though not advertised as the end solution for the previously mentioned scenario) is to turn to the the Guardian Hard Drive Destroyer.

The Guardian Hard Drive Destroyer is said to pulverize your hard drives in under 30 seconds flat. It delivers 12,000 pounds of force to that drive, only requiring a standard 120v AC adapter. It destroys the read and write abilities of the drive, making the remains effectively useless. As the demo video on the product's Web site states, it makes the drive "clearly unusable." The Guardian is said to be portable enough, weighing just 140 pounds, that you can take it and put it about anywhere.

There's no specific price posted for this beast of a machine, but if you are trying to save your you-know-what from the Feds is there anything not worth the cost?

PDC 2008 sheds light on Windows 7 features, promises pre-beta software

Redmond (WA) – Microsoft is beginning to build up interest in its next-generation operating system. The company confirmed that it will be handing out a pre-beta software at the PDC 2008 event next month and if the conference scheduled is any indication, Windows 7 will focus on five key areas: Graphics, communications, energy-efficient applications, multi-touch and a first step into Web 3.0.

It appears that Microsoft is well on track with the development of Windows 7. Barely 10 months after the company handed out its first “Milestone 1” version of the software to its closest partners, the company is now ready to share what it has been working on with a much larger developer crowd. In a post published on the website of the Professional Developers Conference 2008 (PDC 2008), Microsoft said that “keynote attendees will be among the first to receive the pre-beta build of Windows 7.”

Microsoft is referring to the keynote of Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of the Windows and Windows Live Engineering Group. Sinofsky has led most of Microsoft’s public outreach relating to Windows 7. Following a rather lukewarm reception of the demonstration of Windows multi-touch features by Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer at this year’s All Things Digital conference, Sinofsky squashed all rumors that Windows 7 would be an entirely different operating system in May of this year. According to the executive, Windows 7 will be based on the kernel of Windows Server 2008 kernel, which is an evolution of the Windows Vista kernel. The executive highlighted driver compatibility, saying that Windows 7 will not come with a new driver model. “We're very clear that drivers and software that work on Windows Vista are going to work really well on Windows 7,” he said.

Since then, Windows 7 has largely been expected to become a Windows Vista on steroids, or, if you will, a Vista SE that will bridge the gap between Vista and completely new operating system that may be released in the late 2011 or 2012 timeframe. And the PDC 2008 scheduled appears to support these expectations – there will be some new features, but no surprises. Microsoft has dedicated a substantial portion of the conference to the new operating system: 22 out of 155 sessions will directly new features in Windows 7 – which makes the software the second-most covered topic (behind cloud services with 26 sessions) during the event.

The lion’s share of all Windows 7 sessions is dedicated to graphics - the appearance of Windows 7 and applications. Four tracks will provide information on the Windows 7 graphics architecture, new API’s to find, organize and visualize, new text and graphic API’s and Windows 7 taskbar integration. There is lots of content that will deal with Direct3D and how developers can take greater advantage of GPUs, but we know that these sessions will be restricted to graphics and that Windows 7 will not support the use of GPGPUs.

Two sessions focus exclusively on performance (of background processes) and energy efficiency of applications under Windows 7, and other major tracks will zero in on communications applications, native web services and how developers can develop applications that will take advantage on Windows 7’s multi-touch support. A look at new Shell user experience APIs also looks to be an interesting briefing.

If there is a surprise, then it surely is a touch of Web 3.0 in Windows 3: Software development engineer Dan Polivy will lead a session entitled “Windows 7: New APIs for Building Context-Aware Applications” targeted at experienced Windows developers. There is no information on this session available at this time, but if Microsoft is putting a greater focus on context-aware applications, Windows 7 may have a secret killer feature in store for us.

Dell, HP look to slash R&D costs for 2009

Worldwide economic crises are beginning to have serious impact within PC builders Dell and HP, claims DigiTimes. The publication cites sources inside Taiwanese channel distributors, who say that both companies are looking to cut back on research and development for notebooks, which usually entails testing the performance and endurance of new parts. Because this is also done by the actual manufacturers (ODMs), sources say, Dell and HP believe they can scale back without hurting future products. Details such as any possible job losses are unclear, but it is thought that ODMs will begin buying many of the parts needed on their own, choosing which suppliers to use. The number of ODM purchases could jump from 10 percent now to 20 percent in 2009, the sources suggest.

The situation contrasts starkly with Apple, whose Mac sales have been brisk, pointing to continually expanding profits. Apple is also known to pick virtually every component in a computer itself, down to processors and optical drives.

Samsung intros 14.1-inch X460 slim notebook

Samsung on Tuesday introduced a new notebook computer, the X460, which combines a 14.1-inch, 1280x800 LCD screen with a weight that is just under 4.2lbs. Other key specs of the X460 include a 45nm Intel Centrino 2 CPU of various processing speeds and support for up to 4GB of RAM memory. The smallest hard drive is sized at 120GB, while the largest optional HDD is 320GB in capacity. Samsung is trying to position the X460 as a stylish offering users would want to be seen with, and to this end, included a magnesium alloy casing offset with a brushed aluminum panel on the lid that is available in a choice of colors. The laptop also include NVIDIA‘s GeForce 9200M GS graphics chipset with DirectX 10 support. A slim Light Scribe optical drive is standard fare, as are five USB ports for expandability. Bluetooth 2.0+EDR or the integrated multi-card reader allow users to quickly transfer files to and from the notebook, while connecting to the Internet is done via an Ethernet jack or the built-in Wi-Fi connection.

Samsung also deemed it fit to include a fingerprint scanner for security, along with a 1.3-megapixel webcam for video conferencing. An antibacterial keyboard is meant to minimize the build-up of bacteria and thus decrease the likelihood of users getting sick. Other connections the notebook sports include eSATA, DVI, SIO and an HDMI port. The removable 6-cell battery promises to deliver five hours of life when fully charged.

The X460 will launch in October in certain European and Asian countries, with no word on a US release. No pricing information has been released.

Sony prepping VAIO TT ultraportable for Monday?

Sony is gearing up to launch a likely Centrino 2-based update to its VAIO TZ ultraportable notebooks, according to evidence from an FCC filing and a string of forum posts. Called the VAIO TT, the computer would be one of the last remaining systems to launch with Sony's design update and is known to be too powerful to represent Sony's upcoming netbook; most specifications are unavailable, but the notebook will have 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional 3G access over EVDO. A listing at online retailer B&H for a privacy filter which supports both the TZ and TT also pushes the system into the ultraportable class with an 11.1-inch display.

While yet to be confirmed, claims have been made that the new VAIO would be introduced on Monday, lining up roughly with wider availability of ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo processors that will be necessary for the update. Exact configurations are unknown but will likely include carry-over options from the TZ, such as solid-state drives.

Firefox mobile web browser scheduled for 2010

Chicago (IL) – Mitchell Baker, chairperson of the Mozilla Foundation, recently outlined the goals for Mozilla for the next two years. This list includes a somewhat surprising but long overdue product: Firefox for mobile devices code-named Fennec.

The post divides the proposals for Mozilla’s 2010 goals into four main areas – deepen Mozilla’s role on the Internet, assume “leadership” in helping people control their data and making anonymous, aggregate “usage data” more of a public resource, increase Firefox market share and focus on mobile devices.

By 2010, Baker said, there should be an “effective [Firefox] product in the mobile market”, which should “demonstrate that ‘mobile’ is part of one, unified, open web.”

Following Baker’s post, Mozilla explained on its developer blog that it has begun working on getting its upcoming TraceMonkey engine to run on ARM processors. First results of this work have been published on Vladimir Vukicevic’s blog. Users will be able to get a first-hand look at TraceMonkey for ARM in the next alpha release of Fennec, which is the code-name of Firefox Mobile.

There was no information when Fennec will become available for download.

Pentax leaks info on new DSLR, lenses

Camera builder Pentax has accidentally leaked information on a new camera, according to reports. Thought to be called the K-m (not pictured), the camera would allegedly be an entry-level DSLR, similar to Nikon's D60 or Canon's Rebel XS. Specifications pulled from Amazon UK point to a 10-megapixel CCD sensor with sensor-shift stabilization, and ISO sensitivity up to 3200. It is expected to shoot in PEF or DNG RAW formats at up to 3.5fps, and come equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD. Unlike most DSLRs, it is also believed to be powered by four AA batteries, not a proprietary lithium-ion design.

Pentax is further said to be preparing two new L-series lenses, with plastic mounts and weight reductions made with the K-m in mind. A kit with a single bundled lens would cost €500, while one with two lenses would be priced at €600. A November release date is anticipated.

Other Pentax gear rumored to be in development include DA 15 f/4, 60-250, and "super-telephoto" lenses, as well as an SDM 1.4x converter, and a ring flash dubbed the AF160 FC.

BenQ intros slimmest 10MP camera with 3-inch LCD

BenQ on Friday unveiled the thinnest digital camera, at less than 0.7 inches (16.8mm) thick at its slimmest point, to have a 3-inch LCD screen, the 10-megapixel E1050. The E1050 has 32 distinct still image or video shooting modes as well as a red eye remover feature. The 3x optical zoom lens and the E1050’s software allows 16:9 aspect ratio, 848x480 videos to be captured for a proper fit on today’s HDTVs. Another setting sizes videos for direct YouTube uploads. A maximum ISO rating of 3200 is available only with 3MP images or smaller and otherwise, at full 10MP resolution, tops out at 1600. The BenQ E1050 comes with 10MB of usable built-in memory with expansion coming courtesy of an SD card slot, expanding it by as much as 16GB. The camera’s self-time can be set to 2- or 10-second delays, or into a burst and double modes.

The BenQ E1050 will be available in metallic grey only, although prices or release dates have not been announced.

NVIDIA announces worldwide job cuts

NVIDIA on Thursday announced that it would cut 360 jobs across its worldwide operations, which accounts for nearly 6.5 percent of its entire workforce. The company officially announced the cuts are being made to let it invest in key areas of growth, though they are likely related to the company’s recent financial trouble stemming from faulty graphics chips, the resulting lawsuit, and increased competition from the Radeon HD 4000-series graphics card. The job cuts are expected to take effect by October 26, with employees receiving severance packages, counseling and job placement services. Despite the cutbacks, NVIDIA representatives said the company would continue to pour resources into its CUDA parallel computing technology and Tegra mobile single-chip computer. As a direct result of the job cuts, NVIDIA is expected to take a charge of between $7 and $10 million in the third quarter of the 2009 fiscal year. The pre-tax amount will be charged against the company’s operating expenses.

The graphics chipmaker wrote down a near $121 million dollar loss in the second quarter of 2008, the first one in five years, due to graphics cards that would overheat in users’ systems.

Canon signals DSLR smackdown with 21.1-megapixel EOS 5D

Chicago (IL) - Think the Canon EOS 50D DSLR announced a few weeks ago was a big deal? Canon pulled out a even bigger rabbit today with the announcement of the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera. This 21.1-megapixel monster, out by the end of November, will set you back around $2700 for body only or around $3500 with an accompanying EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens.

The highlight of top level features from Canon of the new EOS 5D include "the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution ... a 21.1-megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and significantly lower noise, with an expanded sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25,600." Need some fast, continuous shooting? Try this on for size - "continuous shooting at 3.9 frames per second (fps) for an unlimited number of full-resolution JPEGs to the capacity of the memory card or up to 14 RAW images in a single burst when using a UDMA CF card."

What else do we have? Canon says the EOS 5D includes "a 15-point Autofocus (AF) sensor with nine selectable AF points plus six additional Assist AF points (three center AF points sensitive to f/2.8 lenses) with enhanced light source detection and AF microadjustment." This is on top of a high-magnification optical viewfinder providing 98 percent coverage, 150,000-cycle shutter durability, three Live View AF modes and "peripheral illumination correction when shooting JPEG images." This latter feature is said to even "brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout and reducing light fall-off at image edges."

There's a lot more obviously to this camera, but you get the idea it is really loaded. The proof is in the pudding, of course, but I think the EOS 5D Mark II might be enough to get Canon lovers to at long last put down their 2005 EOS 5Ds.

Update: FBI investigates Palin email hack

Chicago (IL) - Rick Davis, lobbyist in chief for John McCain, described the hacking of Sarah Palin’s Yahoo email account as “shocking invasion” in the Governor’s privacy. The FBI confirmed that it is looking into the matter, while Palin cannot prevent the events from turning into a huge mess as it appears that the Governor of Alaska conducted state business using her private email account.

"This is a shocking invasion of the Governor's privacy and a violation of law," Davis said in a statement and noted that "the matter has been turned over to the appropriate authorities and we hope that anyone in possession of these e-mails will destroy them. We will have no further comment."

Yesterday, a hacker group named Anonymous took credit for hacking into the email account and publicizing screenshots, picturesd and other data from Palin’s Yahoo account. An index of the e-mails contained in Sarah Palin’s inbox include the sender, the subject line, and the date and time the e-mail was sent also indicates that Palin was in fact receiving e-mail from her aides and some of them indicated that she in fact used the account for certain messages relating to official business.

FBI spokesman Brian Hale today said that "the FBI is aware of the alleged hacking incident involving Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and is coordinating with the United States Secret Service on the matter."

Among the emails were an e-mail from her press secretary Meghan Stapleton, with the subject line “Motor Fuel Tax Suspension”. Additionally, an e-mail from Randall Ruaro, Palin’s deputy chief of staff was titled “Draft letter to Governor Schwarzenegger”; another from Ruaro also said “Please approve” and a third had the subject line “Court of Appeals Nominations”.

There were e-mails in her inbox that are believed to be about different budget and employee issues with the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

There were e-mails from Janice Mason, Palin’s schedule coordinator that indicated they were in regards to Palin’s schedule during the week of August 10th.

Michael Nizich, Palin’s chief of staff sent her e-mails on August 22, using the subject “Using Royalty Oil to Lower the Cost of Fuel for Alaskans”, and on another date sent her an e-mail titled “Confidential Ethics Matter”.

The fact that Governor Plain used her private email account to discuss state matters, will obviously raise eyebrows and questions whether there was the need to hide any information from the public. Whether this was or was not the case, it is somewhat obvious that the hackers may not remain the only ones being investigated. It is already a PR disaster and somehow we believe that this mess cannot be cleaned up anytime soon.

Canon SX1 IS adds CMOS sensor, 1080p video

As a counterpart to its SX10 IS, Canon has announced the SX1 IS, a version with some performance enhancements. While both cameras have DIGIC 4 processors, 20x image-stabilization lenses and a 10-megapixel ceiling resolution, the SX1 uses a CMOS sensor instead of CCD, something which Canon claims will let it shoot at up to 4fps in full resolution. The camera also uses a slightly larger LCD, measuring 2.8 inches instead of 2.5. Also included is 30fps, 1080p video recording, a feature borrowed from the EOS 5D Mk. II. An HDMI output is provided for displaying images on TVs. Pricing and release dates have not been announced, but it is believed that the camera is unlikely to appear in North America.

MSI prepping U91, U120 Wind netbooks

MSI has plans to expand its Wind netbook range past the U100, according to an interview. Beyond the current system, the company says it is developing the U91, a new 8.9-inch computer whose other specifications are as yet unknown. Also in development is the U120, a system with a 10-inch screen and built-in HSDPA reception.

The company says it eventually intends to adopt dual-core Atom processors into its netbooks, but due to the extra power consumption, this will not happen in the near future. MSI is similarly hesitant to switch from Windows XP to Vista, primarily because it is thought to consume too much RAM for a netbook.