MOTOSURF A3100

MOTOSURF A3100

MOTOSURF A3100 comes with the familiar Windows Mobile 6.1 software, and it features a customizable home screen, meant to offer users an easy way of managing their social and work life. The device allows one to access applications with the tip of a finger, or by using an omni-directional trackball or a stylus. Users can customize the home screen icons to show ‘live’ feeds on weather, news, personal and work e-mail, messaging or calendar events. Moreover, the experience is enhanced through the WiFi and 3G capabilities of the device.

“We developed the MOTOSURF A3100 as a true social smartphone,” said John Cipolla, senior vice president, product development, Motorola Mobile Devices. “Home screen personalization and access to a whole host of applications gets the info you want – fast, and at your fingertips.” The MOTOSURF A3100 will become available starting with Q1 2009, in different regions including Asia and Latin America.

The MOTOSURF A3100 is packed with quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and tri-band UMTS (850/1900/2100MHz), with HSPA and WiFi for high-speed data transfers. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support for stereo Bluetooth headphones is also on board. The 3 megapixel autofocus camera should help you get the perfect shot, while the microSD card slot allows for extra storage.

infomation from http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Announces-MOTO-W233-Renew-and-MOTOSURF-A3100-101236.shtml

MOTO W233

MOTO W233

Motorola has announced the launch of two new mobile phones meant to make social connectivity and responsibility accessible to people all around the world. The MOTO W233 Renew is a device made from plastics comprised of recycled water bottles, while MOTOSURF A3100 is a high-speed touch tablet that comes with a fully customizable home screen. The company will debut the device at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month.

The design of MOTO W233 Renew is environmentally responsible, and the phone is able to provide the quality Motorola has accustomed us with. The device features a plastic housing that has been made from recycled water bottles, fully recyclable itself, and it is also the world’s first carbon neutral phone. The company partnered with Carbonfund.org and managed to offset the carbon dioxide from manufacturing, distributing and operating the handset through a series of investments in reforestation and renewable energy sources.

“Today, natural resources, energy and time are more precious than ever before,” said Jeremy Dale, corporate vice president, global marketing, Motorola Mobile Devices. “From the product’s design, to the packaging to our partnership with Carbonfund.org, we wanted to ensure that this device makes the right impact with consumers and the environment.”

The company also managed to reduce the packaging by 22 percent, at the same time using only 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper for the box and the printed materials inside it. The manufacturer also offers users the possibility to return their previous phones for recycling at no cost. MOTO W233 Renew offers nine hours of talk time, CrystalTalk technology and messaging capabilities, and it will become available at T-Mobile USA in Q1 2009.

information from http://news.softpedia.com/news/Motorola-Announces-MOTO-W233-Renew-and-MOTOSURF-A3100-101236.shtml

Asus PhysX P1

Asus PhysX P1

ASUS PhysX P1 Card powered by AGEIA PhysX processor, things don´t just look real, and they act real and feel real. Prepare to be shocked by stunning massively destructible buildings and landscapes; explosions that cause collateral damage; lifelike characters with spectacular new weapons; realistic smoke, fog and oozing fluids are all now possible with the ASUS PhysX P1!

ASUS Features The Hottest 3D Game: Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter bundled in Ghost Recon Edition

High 128M memory size

High Speed DDR3 memory interface: Support DDR3 memory delivers smoother game play via onboard acceleration of dynamic physics geometry and simulation objects.

Stylish and High performance heatsink to cool down the heat effectively

Powered by Ageia PhysX Processor

Massively Parallel Physics Architecture: Highly tuned multi-core complex optimized for dynamic, large-scale physics processing. Accelerates real-time physical motion and interaction at a scale and quality far beyond what's possible with CPU or GPU

Universal Continuous Collision Detection: Enables entire environments to be interactive and destructible with massive scale of collisions and response between fast moving objects

Physical smart particle technology: Empowers tens of thousands of realistic smart particle calculations of volume, density and pressure for pervasive fluids, smoke rain and debris

Complex Object Physics System: Drives physics processing beyond a few primitive shapes and simple effects to more accurate and realistic representations of physical objects and interactions

Scalable Terrain Fidelity: Delivers physical landscape accuracy and genuine surface reactions for true environmental experiences

Dynamic Gaming Framework: Flexible Ageia PhysX hardware architecture provides an upgrade path to tomorrow's powerful feature and performance enhancement via software

ASUS Bamboo Notebook(2)

ASUS Super Hybrid Engine: A Next Generation Breakthrough in Power Efficiency All of the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook's power does not come at the expense of the environment. On the contrary, the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook – as with the new generation of ASUS notebooks released to market from the second half of 2008 – is remarkably energy-efficient, thanks to the implementation of ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine technology, which is the product of a comprehensive redesigning of the hardware, software and BIOS on the part of ASUS' engineers.

The most remarkable breakthrough of Super Hybrid Engine is that it accords users the control they need to obtain their desired level of performance – either improving power efficiency or boosting performance by the same technology core. In terms of power efficiency improvement, Super Hybrid Engine can extend battery life between 35% and 70% as compared to notebooks with the same specifications but without the technology, and yet enable users to boost their systems' performance by up to 23%. It achieves this by intelligently monitoring the power requirements of the notebook's components and automatically adjusting the power levels in real-time to match the current consumption needs, thus optimizing both system performance and power efficiency. Users are also given the option of selecting from a number of presets manually to ensure that the notebook conforms to the owner's usage demands.

With the accrued power savings, Super Hybrid Engine reduces yearly CO2 emission by 12.3kg per notebook. Given that ASUS ships approximately 6 million notebooks per year, this works out to a massive 73.8 million kilograms of CO2 emission reduced per year, which equates to saving 36 million trees annually.

Bamboo as an Alternative Material: The Natural ChoiceASUS has achieved international renown for its research into, and inspired use of, biodegradable materials such as leather in its products, but its decision to embrace bamboo is nothing short of ingenious. Through the use of bamboo which has an immense tensile strength that rivals that of many metal alloys, the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is highly resilient – an attribute proven conclusively by the fact that it is the first notebook to have survived the unforgiving conditions of snow-capped Qomolangma Peak, which stands at a staggering height of 8,848 meters (29,028 feet). Bamboo also has a renewal rate that no other plant can match. It has been known to grow 60cm in just 24 hours, reaching its maximum height in several years. Bamboo is also capable of regenerating itself upon harvesting without necessitating replanting, making it possibly the perfect renewable resource.

It's Easy Being GreenThe crux of the message borne by the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is that “it's easy being green". This message resonates at both the consumer and solution provider strata. For consumers, being green is a simple matter of making smart, environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions. Choosing the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook – or any of ASUS' notebooks, all of which were designed and manufactured in strict adherence to the same rigorous green policies and standards that governed the development of the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook – over less green alternatives, will help to preserve the Earth in no small measure.

For solution providers, the key to going green entails looking beyond mere legal compliance and proactively inculcating green values among staff. ASUS is the beacon of success for this approach. In relation to the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook for instance, staff spanning the research and development, strategy development, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, sales and marketing and even administrative departments rallied behind a common raft of green principles set by a steering committee headed by the Chairman of ASUSTek Computer Inc., Jonney Shih. This was only made possible by the company-wide green design, manufacturing and procurement systems that ASUS has in place, as well as its considerable investment into green-oriented e-learning platforms and staff education programs.

information from http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=12577

ASUS Bamboo Notebook

ASUS Spurs Green Computing Revolution with Bamboo Series Notebook

Launch of Bamboo-clad Notebook Underlines ASUS' Commitment to, and Leadership in, the Drive towards Environmentally Sustainable IT

Taipei, Taiwan, August 28, 2008 – ASUS, recognized as a highly environmental friendly company in the Computers and Peripherals Industry by oekom in 2007*, today launched the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook, a groundbreaking bamboo-clad product that is truly green throughout every phase of its life – from its conception, production and use to its eventual recycling and disposal. In developing the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook, ASUS staff at all levels leveraged the full spectrum of environmental expertise that the company has accumulated since 2002 when it initiated its Green ASUS drive – before the RoHS and WEEE directives were enforced – and utilized the comprehensive green product design and management tools specifically created to encourage the disciplined adherence to green principles at a systemic level.

The ASUS Bamboo Series is a major milestone for ASUS and the IT industry at large, as it signals the coming of age of green technologies that are no longer confined to the conceptual realm, and that are implementable on a mass production scale. It also serves as a tangible manifestation of ASUS' commitment to continually bolstering its green capabilities. Finally, it is proof positive that meeting the demands of modern computing can be reconciled with the need to preserve the Earth, especially when a green mentality has become deeply ingrained in the solution provider's culture – just as it has at ASUS.

The ASUS Bamboo Series notebook: A Seamless Marriage of Art and EngineeringThe first thing about the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook that commands immediate and unfailing attention is its artisan-grade Moso bamboo paneling, which is crafted with the precision and care typically associated with bamboo instruments and arts and crafts. The organic tactility, refreshing scent and minimalist aesthetics of bamboo lend the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook an arresting aura of spirituality, warmth and old world charm that synthetic materials and cold, impersonal metals will struggle to replicate. With every touch, users will be able to feel the difference – the bamboo gives an instant sense of familiarity, just like the sensation one would get from running one's fingertips across furniture. The sensation of being close to nature is even conveyed when users use the touch pad. The genuine bamboo fiber patterns on the touch pad create the sensation of touching live bamboo. Furthermore – like any piece of original art – every ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is unique, each with its own natural patterning that is brought out beautifully by ASUS' proprietary manufacturing process. The air of individuality of each piece can be further enhanced by several treatments that yield different colors, or by laser etching distinctive designs onto the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook's bamboo-clad cover.

The ultra slim ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is currently available in two versions: a 12.1" model that weighs 1.57kg and an 11.1" model that weighs a mere 1.25kg. Both house Intel® Core™2 Duo processors and are fitted with DDRII RAM.

LG KS660

LG KS660

LG's first dual-SIM phone, the LG KS660 comes with a large 3" 400 x 240 pixel touchscreen and a 5 megapixel

LG are only the second major manufacturer to launch a dual-SIM device such as this, and the closest competitor to the KS660 is going to be the Samsung D980 DuoS which has a smaller screen.

One obvious major drawback we can see with the KS660 is that it is a GSM-only device. Neither LG nor Samsung have been able to create a dual-SIM handset that does 3G, and this is a shame because a phone like the KS660 would lend itself to high-speed downloads and uploads quite well.

As with the Samsung DuoS range, the KS660 seems to be aimed at Russia and surrounding countries as LG say that the handwriting recognition supports English, Ukrainian, Russian, Kazakh, Lithuanian and Estonian languages. There's no word on exact specifications, pricing or availability at present.

information from http://www.mobilegazette.com/lg-ks660-gd910-08x12x29.htm

Get a storage

Get a storage
ardCompactFlash and SD cards allow you to store music or video that you can listen to or watch on your PDA. CompactFlash cards are cheaper than SD models, but are also physically larger.

Keep connectivity in mindPDAs with built-in Wi-Fi, an integrated cell phone, and/or Bluetooth will help you get more done with fewer wires. If you plan on managing e-mail or consulting the Web while on the road, check the connectivity options closely.

Shopping tips for buying a basic organizer

Shopping tips for buying a basic organizer
Choose your OSIf you simply need to maintain an up-to-date appointment calendar, contact list, and to-do list when you are away from your PC, your best bet is to stick with a low-end Palm OS device such as the Palm Z22. It will also handle other applications (which can come in handy), but its easy-to-use data synchronization stands out. This model costs only $99.

Consider spending a little extra for additional memory or an expansion slotThat way you'll have room to grow when you want to add new software or store more photos or MP3s.

Extend your PDA's capabilities with third-party softwareThousands of applications have been written for Palm PDAs and are available for downloading at sites like PalmGear.com. One of the most popular titles, DataViz's Documents to Go, allows you to edit Word and Excel documents and view PowerPoint files on your Palm-based PDA. Overall, you'll find much more third-party software written for the Palm OS than for Pocket PC devices, though FreewarePPC.com has a good selection of free apps for Windows Mobile handhelds.

Shopping tips for buying a PDA with advanced features
Choose your OSBecause of their familial relationship with Windows, Windows Mobile-based devices have been gathering enterprise support more quickly than Palm-based devices. But newer Palm OS-based devices such as the Treo 650 are catching up, since they have integrated cell phones, the ability to play digital audio and video, and the ability to display digital photographs. (If the Treo hardware appeals to you, be sure to look at Verizon's Treo 700. This is the first-ever Palm device to run Windows Mobile). In the end, as long as your corporate IT department isn't calling the shots, your choice of operating system will come down to your preference, so try out both platforms at a local electronics store and see which works best for you. In general Palm-based PDAs are easier to use, while Windows Mobile PDAs interface better with Microsoft Office desktop apps and come in a wider selection of models.

Somewhat Important:

Somewhat Important:
Internal StorageExpect 32MB or even less on entry-level models, and 64MB each of RAM and ROM at the high end. Flash ROM, which stores important data (contact info, for example) that you won't lose if the battery runs dry, is increasingly common in pricier models. If you plan to play MP3 files, download video clips or software, or work on large spreadsheets, you'll want either a lot of internal memory or an external memory slot (see above).

Important Consideration Somewhat Important

Important Consideration:
ConnectivityDon't expect e-mail or Web access on a very inexpensive entry-level device. Mid- and upper-range models might include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or an integrated phone connection. A PDA that connects to the Internet can be very useful for checking e-mail, messaging friends or clients, or surfing the Web.


Somewhat Important: Screen and Resolution
Expect color on all but the oldest or very cheapest handhelds. You will, however, see a difference in screen resolutions: Cheap Palms have 160 by 160 screens, while midrange and expensive models boast 320 by 320 screens. Some high-end Windows Mobile devices have quarter-VGA (320 by 480) screens. BlackBerry devices have high-resolution screens of unconventional resolutions.
In general, you'll want better quality if you plan on viewing or capturing video and still photos, playing games, or simply making heavy use of your device.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=4

Important Consideration: Operating System

Important Consideration: Operating System

The operating system is the software that performs a PDA's basic functions. Palm software is less complex, but Windows Mobile has portable versions of Microsoft Office applications and Windows Media Player. Devices based on RIM's BlackBerry operating system have become increasingly popular.

Palm has tended to dominate the entry-level market with its inexpensive (and unconnected) Zires. But an increasing number of Windows Mobile devices are debuting at midrange prices ($150 to $200). While Treos introduced early in 2006 commanded a premium, newer models are going to be slightly less expensive, the company says. Sophisticated, phone-like BlackBerry models such as the Pearl are also pricey.

Important Consideration: External Memory Slot

Important Consideration: External Memory Slot

External memory cards allow you to store music, photos, videos, or applications; some also let you add peripherals such as Wi-Fi adapters. Having more than one slot can be better; some higher-end devices offer two slots so you can use one for storage and the other for a peripheral. Only the most inexpensive devices have no storage card slot. Nowadays SD Cards are the most popular media, though many older devices still use CompactFlash cards.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=4

The Specs Explained

The Specs Explained

You don't have to spend a fortune to obtain a useful PDA, especially if you're mostly interested in keeping track of your schedule, having your address book handy, and perhaps playing a few simple games. Lots of inexpensive personal organizers can handle those tasks. You'll pay more if you want a nicer screen, more on-board memory, or more advanced functions such as wireless connectivity. Those traits are most useful if you plan to use your PDA for entertainment--playing sophisticated games, displaying video clips or snapshots, or playing MP3s--as well as managing e-mail and messaging for work, and browsing the Web.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=4

RIM's BlackBerry

RIM's BlackBerry
Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices use a fairly expensive BlackBerry Enterprise Server to synchronize e-mail and calendar items with major enterprise-collaboration environments such as Microsoft Exchange (Outlook) and Lotus Domino (Notes). BlackBerry devices can wirelessly send and receive e-mail, and a growing number of the models also double as cell phones.

Unlike most Palm and Windows Mobile devices, Blackberry PDAs use thumb keyboards and jog-wheel navigation.

Whatever your choice, try to kick the tires before you buy. Check to see how well you can read the screen with the backlight off--or outside on a sunny day. If the unit has a keyboard, try it out for size. Make sure the buttons are reasonably comfortable and solid. Fiddle with the navigation--how easy is it to do what you want to do?

If you're looking for a cell phone and a PDA, you should consider a PDA/phone so that you don't end up lugging around two separate devices. If you tend to be on the road a lot and need to check your e-mail regularly, you might also consider models that offer Internet access--through a built-in cell-phone modem, a Bluetooth connection to a cell phone, or built-in 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=3

GPS

With GPS-driven car navigation systems gaining in popularity, a couple of vendors (Garmin International, HP, and Pharos) have created PDAs with integrated GPS receivers and bundled navigation software, which provide voice-based turn-by-turn directions and maps. Typically you can't yet get both integrated GPS and integrated Wi-Fi in the same unit, but a small and growing number of devices are bundling both technologies--and sometimes Bluetooth and cell phone radios as well. If you want to add Wi-Fi or GPS, you should be able to do so via third-party products that connect either via Bluetooth (in the case of GPS) or through the handheld's expansion (SD) card slot.

Cameras

Cameras

Many current PDAs include built-in cameras similar to those found in camera phones. PDA cameras let you take a quick snapshot of something (or someone) in moderately bright light. Resolution ranges from VGA (640 by 480 pixels) to a growing number of 1- and even 2-megapixel models. But don't expect beautiful, Annie Leibovitz-quality photos with a PDA camera. In some cases, you'll be lucky if you can make out what you've snapped, even if the device includes an LED flash to illuminate the scene. But in a crunch, a PDA camera can be a useful feature.

Battery power

Battery power

Modern PDAs include built-in batteries that you recharge by either placing the PDA in a docking cradle or, increasingly, hooking it up to a combination syncing/recharging cable. The battery life depends largely on the size and brightness of the screen, the applications you run, and whether you're using Wi-Fi (a big battery-life drain). Battery life can be anything from a couple of hours to 10 hours.

Screen type

Screen type
Bright color screens have become the norm even for low-end PDAs, and screen resolution has become a differentiating factor: While Windows Mobile displays once laid claim to having the highest-resolution color screens (quarter-VGA, or QVGA, screens with 320-by-240-pixel resolution) --some Palm OS-powered PDAs now offer 320-by-320- or even 320-by-480-pixel resolution (compared with 160-by-160-pixel resolution on older or less expensive models).

Not all color screens are created equal: The screens on cheaper models generally aren't as crisp and sharp as those on more expensive units. That's why it's a good idea to check out the model you're considering in person before you buy.

Input (keyboard or stylus)

Input (keyboard or stylus)

The handwriting-recognition capabilities of Palm and Windows Mobile devices have improved over the years, and all PDAs that support handwriting recognition come with a virtual hunt-and-peck software-based keyboard. Some models with integrated thumb keyboards still support these traditional touch-screen input methods. However, Palm's Windows Mobile- and Palm-based Treos (phone hybrids with integrated keyboards) do not support handwriting recognition even though they have touch screens. Nor does the BlackBerry OS. Many users who want to use a PDA in place of a notebook have turned to one of several third-party add-on keyboards.

Internal memory (RAM)

Internal memory (RAM)
Basic organizer functions (appointments, alarms, contact lists, tasks, and memos) don't require much memory. The 32MB amount that comes with the lowest-end current Palm--the $99 Z22--is adequate if these tasks are all you want to do. Third-party software such as utilities and games quickly eat up RAM, however, so look for a model with 64MB or more of RAM--or a model that accepts Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (see below)--if you plan to load lots of extra programs or you want to store lots of media for playback. Newer Palms include ROM for storing the OS and key vital data such as contacts, so that you don't lose them if the battery runs down.

Applications on Windows Mobile devices require more memory, especially to play audio or video. The specs for today's Windows Mobile PDAs usually specify two types of internal memory: RAM and flash-based ROM. The ROM is where the PDA stores the OS and vital data such as contact information. If your batteries run down and your device loses power, the data in ROM is unaffected. RAM, on the other hand, requires power--if you lose power, you lose data in RAM. Most software runs in RAM, so the more you multitask on a Windows Mobile PDA, the more RAM you'll want. Look for a unit with at least 64MB each of ROM and RAM.

Almost all Windows Mobile devices come with external card slots. CompactFlash used to be the dominant expansion format, but SD Card has become more common. Some models accept both CompactFlash and SD Card formats. These slots can also connect to add-ons such as cameras, audio players, phones, or GPS receivers.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=2

PDA CPUs

PDA CPUs
There was a time when nobody paid attention to PDA processors, in part because they were fairly low powered to conserve battery life, and also in part because they are embedded. In other words, you can't upgrade or replace them the way you might be able to swap out a chip on a PC motherboard. But the mobile CPU business has become more competitive, thanks in no small part to Intel's entry into the market (Intel sold its handheld chip business to Marvell several months ago). PDA vendors have begun to promote the chips that power their handhelds--and savvy buyers know that a powerful chip can make for snappy performance in a high-end device.

Intel's XScale ARM processors have been upping the ante in this arena. The latest processors--the PXA27x family, previously code-named Bulverde--can run at up to 624 MHz and are available either with or without integrated memory. Texas Instruments and Samsung also compete in the PDA processor market, with TI focusing primarily on connected devices. Following its acquisition of Intel's handheld processor unit, Marvell (previously best known as a Wi-Fi chip maker), is expected to compete vigorously as well.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=2

Windows Mobile vs. Palm OS

Windows Mobile vs. Palm OS
How you plan to use a PDA will best determine which operating system you choose. Palm OS-based devices, mostly found on PDAs from Palm, provide the simpler approach. Out of the box, Palm devices will synchronize appointments and contacts with the Palm OS's proprietary personal information manager desktop software, the Palm Desktop. Most Palm OS vendors also bundle a program that syncs your data with Microsoft Outlook. To create and edit Microsoft Office-compatible documents on a Palm OS device, you will need third-party software such as Dataviz's Documents to Go (bundled with some Palm devices) or Cutting Edge Software's Quickoffice.

Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS (the latest version is Windows Mobile 5, usually with a device-specific patch) basically looks like a considerably shrunken version of the desktop Windows OS. It can run numerous applications simultaneously--though only one app can appear on screen at a time. Unlike the Palm OS, which shuts down one application (or runs it in the background as appropriate) when you open another, Windows Mobile requires you to manually close an application or it will run in the background and use up memory you might want for other purposes. (The latest Windows Mobile devices have a memory manager that lets you see what applications are running and how much memory they are using.) Windows Mobile generally requires more memory than the Palm OS, so most Windows Mobile 5 PDAs come with at least 64MB of ROM and an equal amount of RAM.

The Windows Mobile OS is more complex to use than the Palm OS. But with most keyboard-equipped Windows Mobile devices, you also get pared-down versions of Microsoft Office apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint--letting you create and edit documents as you would on your desktop. When you synchronize your Windows Mobile PDA with your PC, documents on each are updated accordingly. The integrated Windows Media Player 10 in Windows Mobile 5 handles MP3, WMA, and other multimedia files; it also allows you to run content from subscription sites (such as Rhapsody) that use Microsoft's Digital Rights Management technology. A growing number of vendors are offering Windows Mobile devices. Hewlett-Packard has historically offered the greatest variety, but more competitors are emerging--particularly in the PDA/phone arena.


from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=2

Key Features

Key Features
PlatformMost PDAs run on one of two major operating systems, or platforms: the Palm OS from PalmSource (now a subsidiary of the Japanese firm Access) and Microsoft's increasingly popular Windows Mobile OS. Some devices run on other platforms--most notably Research In Motion's BlackBerry--but the Palm OS and Windows Mobile still dominate the market.

Though these platforms used to be distinct, the differences have diminished--to the point where Palm now makes its Treo PDA/phones for both Palm OS and Windows Mobile platforms. PDAs based on early versions of the Palm OS were simpler, lower-cost devices, and these days the most inexpensive Palms are still cheaper than the lowest-end Windows Mobile PDAs. But Palm's high-end models today match the Windows Mobile offerings in such features as cameras and Internet connectivity. And while all PDAs based on Windows Mobile used to be relatively expensive across the board, today you can find models that compete directly with midrange Palms.

Both are also taking on increasingly capable models based on the BlackBerry OS, which continues to set the gold standard for mobile e-mail management, and Symbian, the OS used by Nokia. The main drawback here is relative scarcity of third-party applications for these OSs; if you're content with the apps you get with these devices, this may not be a problem.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=2

The Big Picture (2)

The Big Picture
Formerly just handy pocket secretaries, PDAs have become ever more versatile. Modern PDAs can handle wireless e-mail and instant messaging, digital photography, music, and even video. Increasingly, businesspeople who spend a lot of time on the road are replacing standard cell phones with PDA-phone hybrids such as a Palm Treo, a RIM BlackBerry, or a Windows Mobile-based model. (If you're interested in such a device, be sure to read "How to Buy a Cell Phone" as well.)

While PDAs of one type or another have been around for about a decade, technological advances have made them more versatile at the high end and more affordable at the low end. And these days, all PDAs, regardless of price, are thin, lightweight, and generally small enough to fit easily into a pocket.

The processors that power PDAs are faster than they used to be, so PDAs can now handle digital music and photos with ease. High-end models now sport mobile graphics processors that enable gaming and video playback without a huge sacrifice in battery life. At the other end of the price spectrum, even lower-cost units come with color screens. And a growing number of mid- and high-range units sport integrated mini-keyboards (also known as thumb keyboards), a welcome development for users who want to use their PDAs for e-mail or messaging and feel slowed down by styluses and handwriting-recognition software.

The ability to communicate wirelessly enhances a PDA's overall utility. Many of the midrange units incorporate 802.11b or the faster 802.11g Wi-Fi for accessing home or work networks or commercial hotspots. Even more PDAs are equipped with Bluetooth, which can connect to desktop or laptop PCs, to peripherals (such as headsets or printers), or to the Internet through a suitably equipped cell phone. One of the latest trends in PDAs is the inclusion of integrated GPS receivers and software that allows the handheld to double as a navigation device, either in a car or when you're walking around an unfamiliar city.

information http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114

The Big PicturePDAs

The Big PicturePDAs range from simple, unconnected devices designed primarily to replace pocket address books and calendars to powerful devices with lots of memory, wireless connectivity, integrated cameras and keyboards, and graphics muscle for playing music and video. Here, we'll discuss the main issues you need to think about, such as PDA operating systems and how much memory you need.
The Specs Explained We'll address the CPUs used in handhelds, screen resolution, and internal versus external memory--and tell you how important each feature is to your purchase.
PDA Shopping Tips How much memory does your PDA need? What about the different operating systems? Find the answers to these questions and more in PC World's buying advice.


information http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114

How to Buy a PDA

How to Buy a PDA

Ready to get your life in order? Then maybe it's time to get a personal digital assistant. These small, lightweight devices can keep track of your appointments, phone numbers, and to-do lists, usually syncing with Microsoft Outlook or other desktop organizer software. Today's PDAs can also keep you amused with games, music, and video; a growing number have built-in cameras, and a few newer ones integrate GPS receivers as well. Even entry-level PDAs now have color screens, and all but the most inexpensive models also let you track e-mail, browse the Web, and send instant or text messages via built-in wireless Internet connectivity--Bluetooth (for connecting via a Bluetooth cell phone), Wi-Fi, and/or (in the case of PDA-phone hybrids) cellular networks. At the high end, a couple of models support two or three modes of wireless connection, so you can enjoy broadband speeds at Wi-Fi hotspots and increasingly speedy cellular hookups almost anyplace else.

Sony CLIÉ PEG-UX50

The PEG-UX50 Personal Entertainment Communicator features dual Wireless integration in a compact and lightweight design. Powered by Palm OS 5, the UX50 is powerful, portable, and easy to use!With both 802.11b WiFi and Bluetooth built-in, the UX50 offers two methods of wireless communication for maximum flexibility. Connect to a wireless LAN network using 802.11b WiFi, and you can check e-mail, access the Internet, or HotSync with a PC on the network wirelessly. By pairing the UX50 with other Bluetooth enabled devices you can transfe

Product Type Handheld

Built-in Devices Microphone, speaker, keyboard, display, camera, Jog Dial

Width 4.1 in

Depth 0.7 in
Height 3.5 in
Weight 6.2 oz

Processor Sony Handheld Engine CXD2230GA 123 MHz

Display
Display Type TFT active matrix
Image 16-bit (64K colors)
Display Resolution 480 x 320

Audio
Voice Recording Capability Yes
Audio Output Speaker(s)
Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3, ATRAC3
Audio Input Microphone

Operating System / Software
OS Provided Palm OS 5.2

Software Address Book, Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, Calculator, Palm Reader, Security, Voice Recorder, powerOne Personal, HotSync, Movie Player, PhotoStand, Intellisync Lite 4.0, Sound Utility, QuickTime 5.0.2, Audio Player, Card Info, CLIÉ Mail, World Alarm Clock, AcidSolitaire (Trial), Bejeweled (Trial), StreetFinder Express (Trial), Vindigo (Trial), WorldMate (Trial), CLIÉ Camera, Contacts Pro (Trial), BalanceLog (Trial), powerOne Finance (Trial), Photo Editor, Movie Recorder, NetFront, CLIÉ Album, CLIÉ Memo, CLIÉ Viewer, PictureGear Studio, CLIÉ Files, SonicStage 1.5, SMS, Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.1, CLIÉ Demo, Launcher, Macromedia Flash Player 5, Remote Camera, Palm Desktop 4.1 for PC, Picsel Technologies Picsel Viewer, CLIÉ Launcher, Decuma Input, Visto MessageXpress (Trial), Agendus (Trial), Data Export 1.0 for PC, Data Import, Image Converter 1.1 for PC

Power
Power Device Power adapter
Voltage Required AC 120/230 V

The Aiptek™ Pocket DV4500

The Aiptek™ Pocket DV4500 digital camcorder offers a 6-in-1 multifunction design with a digital still camera, digital camcorder, MP3 player, PC camera, voice recorder, removable hard disk and compact Flash card reader. Equipped with a 2 MP CMOS sensor, the still image resolution of the Pocket DV4500 is enhanced to 4 MP to deliver high-quality photographs.

High Compression MPEG-4 for Recording Movies: MPEG-4 is the ideal way to store video clips in a highly compact format. Share them over the internet by e-mail, posting on web pages or viewing on PC or television.
MP3 Player: Load your favorite MP3 files and playback the music directly or enjoy stereo quality music via the headset
1.5" TFT Color LCD Display: Review and playback video clips and pictures in real time
Flash Strobe: Built-in flash strobe allows you to take snapshots in darker environments
Digital Zoom: 4x real time digital zoom allows you to Zoom In/Out while recording video
Playback Options: Connect the Pocket DV4500M to your TV/VCR to playback video clips and/or pictures, or playback directly on the built-in 1.5" color LCD
Removable Hard Disk and Compact FlashCard Reader: In addition to the internal memory, the Pocket DV4500M also allows you to expand the memory capacity to record and snapshot
Take Pictures and Videos in Black and White: Add a touch of art to your pictures and/or videos by shooting them in Black and White

Specifications

Hardware Resolution: 2304 x 1728 Pixels (4 Mega Pixel) (interpolated)
Sensor Effective Resolution: 1600 x 1200 Pixels (2 Mega Pixel)
Video Resolution: 640 x 480 Pixels (VGA) up to 20 fps; 352 x 288 Pixels (CIF) up to 30 fps
Video Conferencing: 640 x 480 Pixels (up to 10 fps); 320 x 240 Pixels (up to 24 fps)
LCD: 1.5" TFT Color LCD Display (Preview and Playback)
Digital Zoom: 4x
Internal Memory: 16 MB Flash Memory
AV Output: Supports NTSCTV System
Voice Annotation: Up to 1 hour (using internal memory)
Self-Timer: 10 seconds
Image Format: JPEG, MPEG-4
Exposure: Auto, Auto White Balance
Focus: Macro: 40 cm / Normal: 250 cm to Infinity
Image Control: Auto Exposure and Auto White Balance
Computer Interface: USB 1.1
Power Saving: Auto Power Off if Idle over 60 seconds
Power Source: 2 AA Alkaline Batteries; USB Port when Plugged into PC
Camera Dimensions: 3.86" x 2.57" x 1.28"
External Memory: Built-in CF Card Slot (Max. 512 MB) (Not Included)
Flash: Built-in Flash Strobe
Microphone: Built-in Microphone
Speaker: Built-in Speaker and Headset Connector

Winegard HD7698P

Listen to music anywhere without the hassle and restriction of speaker wires when using the Cables Unlimited® Wireless Speakers with Remote. The powerful 900 MHz transmitter sends audio signals without speaker wire up to 150 ft away from the audio source. The speakers are perfect for the outdoor picnic or celebration. And if it rains, you don't need to worry thanks to a waterproof seal on each speaker.

900 MHz transmitter sends audio signals without speaker wire
Connect to your computer for remote listening
Weatherproof for outdoor listening
Speaker can be up to 150 ft away from audio source
Compact and portable with a stylized design
Phase Loop Lock circuitry automatically locks in and keeps audio signal clear and strong

The GE® HO98064

The GE® HO98064 Easycam Pro™ can broadcast full-screen videos through Windows® MediaPlayer® and allow you to meet face-to-face with friends or family online using Microsoft® NetMeeting®. You can record videos for a digital album and use the snap shot button on the camera for still photos

Broadcast full-screen videos that can play through Windows® MediaPlayer®
Meet face-to-face with friends or family online using Microsoft® NetMeeting®
Record videos for a digital album or share with friends and family online
Activity light shows when Easycam™ is sending messages to PC
Snap shot button on camera for still photos
Easy-to-use focus ring ensures crystal-clear videos
Stable base
Compact, portable and lightweight
Sensor: CMOS with 300k pixels
Resolution up to 640 x 480
30 FPS video frame rate
24 bit, RGB true color requires computer with USB port
266 MHz processor
32 MB RAM
CD-ROM drive
2-year limited manufacturer's warranty

The Cobra Digital DC325

The Cobra® Digital DC325 does triple duty as a VGA digital camera, PC camera at 15 fps, and camcorder that takes 10-second video clips.

Output Resolution: 640x480 (High) or 352x288 Pixels (Low)
Image Sensor: 300K Pixel CMOS Sensor
Internal Memory: 2MB (SDRAM)
Image Storage: 16 to 56 Pictures depending on resolution chosen
Shutter Speed: 1/6 - 1/15000 second
Viewfinder: Optical
Menu Screen: LCD on back of Camera
Auto Functions: Shutdown/Exposure/White Balance
3 in 1 Mode: Digital Camera/PC Camera/Camcorder
Camcorder: 10 Second Video Clip
PC Camera: 15 Frames/Second
Interface: USB version 1.1
Power Source: AAA 1.5V X 2 (not included)
File Format: JPEG AVI
Package Contains: Camera, User Manual, ArcSoft Edit Software, USB Cable
System Requirements: Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP

F5D8010 Wireless

Free your life of wires and connect your laptop to the world with the Belkin® F5D8010 Wireless PRE-N Notebook Adapter, which delivers 800% greater reception than a standard 802.11g adapter. Anytime the adapter senses potential interference, it automatically shifts to the best available wireless signal.

Model Number: BKNF5D8010
800% greater coverage than standard 802.11g & 600% greater speeds than standard 802.11g
Increases wireless coverage up to 20% when using adapter with older 802.11g or 802.11b networking products
Senses potential interference & dynamically shifts to the clearest wireless channel available
Continues to transmit at a link rate of 108 Mbps
Wi-Fi protected access support provides enhanced encryption protecting wireless networks
6 months of free pop-up, adware & spyware stopper

iPhone

Griffin Elan Sleeve encases your iPhone™ in full-grain leather for a sleek custom fit. Tough but in a good way, it's a case for iPhone™ with two distinct sides. On the inside, Elan Sleeve coddles your iPhone™ with embossed, no-scratch suede. But outside that soft interior is a tough, full-grain leather that leaves the iPhone™ touchscreen, controls, audio jack and camera lens free and clear.

Removable two-way clip to attach the case to a bag, briefcase or backpack strap for multiple carrying options
Included static peel screen protector and premium cleaning cloth

The Nokia® N76

The Nokia® N76 unlocked cell phone is a half-inch-thick smartphone on Symbian S60. It packs a 2-megapixel camera, a 3.5 mm jack for headphones to listen to music with the player, and control keys on the front cover. It also has a couple of big color displays and a microSD slot.

This product can only be shipped to an address that matches your billing address. Any order with a shipping address that does not match the billing address will be cancelled

Unlocked cell phones are "SIM Card" phones that you can use with your existing Cingular, AT&T, T-Mobile or other GSM based account. Simply remove the SIM card from your existing phone and insert it into the Unlocked Phone. Unlocked phones can replace an old or lost phone you got from your provider, or give you the ability to use a new cell phone model not offered by your provider. No new contract is needed to upgrade to a new unlocked phone. Having an unlocked phone also means you can switch providers without having to purchase a new phone! Please remember, unlocked phones are only designed to work in GSM Networks, such as Cingular, AT&T and T-Mobile. Unlocked phones will not work with CDMA carriers such as Sprint, Nextel or Verizon. Please contact your provider for further questions regarding GSM compatibility. For best results with domestic Cingular / AT&T service, select a phone that uses the GSM 850 frequency. For best results with domestic T-Mobile service, select a phone that uses the GSM 1900 frequency. If you are an international traveler, purchasing an Unlocked Phone which uses GSM 900 & GSM 1800 frequencies means you can purchase Pre-Paid SIM cards overseas and avoid high overseas usage fees charged by domestic carriers.

Main Display: 2.4-in QVGA TFT color displays (240 x 320 pixels ) with up to 16 million colors
Cover Display: 1.36-in TFT color display (160 x 128 pixels) with up to 262,144 colors
Ambient light detector to optimize operating times
S60 user interface 3rd Edition
Quick cover keys allow you to play music and snap pictures without opening your phone
2 megapixel camera, 1600 x 1200 pixels image resolution with up to 20x digital zoom
Video capture in QVGA resolution with the CIF+ (common intermediate format) camera and playback up to 15 fps with up to 4x digital zoom
Video call, video sharing and video clip sharing
Integrated flash LED
Multimedia
Integrated FM radio
Integrated music player with equalizer and playlist feature for MP3/WAV/MIDI/AAC/eAAC/eAAC+/M4A/WMA formats
RealPlayer Media Player
Download and play multimedia files (video and music)
Stream media files from compatible media portals
Full-screen video playback on the phone to view downloaded, streamed, or recorded video clips in larger size
Played formats (decoding): .3gp and .mp4 file formats, MPEG-4 video, H.263 video and AMR audio, RealMedia (Real Video and Real Audio), MP3, and AAC
Video streaming, downloading, and storage
Up to 26 MB built-in memory
Options to expand up to 2 GB with microSD card
Email: Supports SMTP, POP3 and IMAP4 protocols with attachments
Chat
MMS
Picture messaging
Pop-Port™ interface to USB
Bluetooth™ 2.0
Local and remote data synchronization of calendar, contacts, to-do lists, notes, email, Microsoft Outlook® and Outlook Express®, and Lotus using SyncML
WAP 2.0 xHTML/HTML multimode browser
Nokia browser with Mini Map