Keyboards

iPhone with hardware keyboard on the horizon?

Paul Mah — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:30:07 -0400

According to The Register, Apple has sent working prototypes of iPhones sporting hardware keyboards to senior executives at some wireless operators to garner their feedback. Undeniably, the lack of a hardware keyboard has made it a harder sell to certain groups of users, such as those hooked on to text messaging, as well as a fair portion of businessmen. Of course, there are those who are skeptical that Apple will ever come out with a hardware keyboard for the iPhone. Explaining, Tom Krazit over at CNET wrote, "But Apple has invested so much in the software that runs the iPhone that I would be surprised if it changed the game so early in the life of the product." What about you; what do you think?

For more on Apple's iPhone:
- check out this article from The Register

Asus preps new Eees, WiMAX laptop

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

It's often been said that Asus' Eee PC--that sub-$500, ultraportable wonder--created an all new category of mobile device and a quick glance at the competition that has sprouted up since pretty much confirms that fact. But the company won't be able to coast on the Eee PC's success forever--at least not without an updated model. To that end, there are two new Eee models on the way. First up is the 8.9" Eee PC 900 model, which comes with either Linux or Windows XP pre-installed, 1GB of RAM and up to 20GB of storage--it will land in the U.S. on May 12 for $549. On the more distant horizon is a 10" model with a larger keyboard, which was recently confirmed by Asustek CEO Jerry Shen, though other details remain hazy.

And what of the WiMAX Eee PC, you might ask? While we haven't heard any news on that front in quite a while, we do know that Asus is now preparing to launch a different WiMAX machine that will take the form of an update to the company's full-sized Aspire 5920 laptop. While details on the machine itself have yet to be revealed, Asus has confirmed that the laptop not only will work on Sprint's XOHM WiMAX network, but also will be sold through Sprint as part of a service bundle.

For more on the latest from Asus:
- check out this Crave article on the Eee 900
- this PC World article on the 10" Eee
- and this InfoWorld article on the WiMAX machine

Eee PC 900 gets reviewed

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:54 -0400

The Eee PC might not have WiMAX yet--but it does now have a larger display (8.9"), a full 1GB of RAM, more storage and a MacBook Air-like multitouch trackpad. So, is it a worthy successor to the original Eee? "We're disappointed its keyboard is still so difficult to use, but the addition of a larger, high-resolution screen, multi-touch mouse trackpad and better storage gives it the edge over just about all of its rivals," CNET writes in their review. "It falls slightly short of a wholehearted recommendation due to the mooted touchscreen version and the huge likelihood that Asus will begin using newer Intel Atom CPUs, but for those who can't wait, it's a fantastic purchase."

For more on the Eee 900:
- see the full review at CNET

A whole new mobile way

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:01:39 -0400

A whole new mobile way
Ahh, the Foleo. If you haven't seen any industry news for the last week, then you've missed the discussion around the latest platform from the mind of Jeff Hawkins, the man who brought us the Palm Pilot and the Treo. The new "smart phone companion" may be another in a long line of technology misfires--or it may be a platform that ends up changing the way a lot of us work. I'm betting that it's closer to the second than the first. If you're like me, you depend on constant access to e-mail, documents, and the web, but you're tired of carrying around a desktop-replacement laptop and your thumbs aren't quite quick enough to use a Treo as your main word processor. The Foleo brings just enough functionality with just enough keyboard and screen--and it may well bring just enough difference to your enterprise application platform to change the way you work.

802.11n will be another technology that changes the way your networks are built. If you're interested in learning more about the new WiFi and how it will change wireless LAN deployments, sign up for a free webinar on June 12. -Curtis

Springtime for wireless

Sun, 20 May 2007 20:01:39 -0400

Ah, it's Spring and new products are ready to burst upon the market. The iPhone is the most talked-about new phone in years, but there are plenty of other new handsets from vendors like Nokia and Motorola as well--enough to keep you busy trying to figure out which features your users might need. Just to make things more complicated, it looks like the Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC) might be starting to pick up a little steam. It's a great concept; a very small package holds all of the computing power you need for your work. You can carry it around and use it for phone calls and instant messaging, or plug in a monitor, mouse, and keyboard to have a fully functional personal computer at your disposal. You might want to start working now on those capability grids that will let you show your users why you are--or aren't--buying that hot portable wireless device they simply must have.

IT-Wireless usually hits your inbox on Monday morning but since next Monday is a holiday, look for IT-Wireless on Tuesday. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. -Curtis

Nokia defends the high end

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:01:37 -0400

Consumers may be waiting for the iPhone, but handset vendors aren't. Nokia has released the N95, a $775 smart phone that runs the Symbian operating system and sports a wide variety of media applications. The N95, which Nokia describes as an "all-in-one media computer", is clearly aimed at customers whose interest in smart phones has been piqued by the iPhone--but who are ready for enhanced capabilities now. With a 5 megapixel camera, media support, a keyboard, and compatibility with 3G (HSDPA), WiFi and Bluetooth networking, the N95 brings a lot of capability for a lot of money. When considered alongside other recent Nokia announcements like the N800 tablet and E61 smart phone, the N95 is proof that Nokia has no plans to cede the high end of the market to Apple or anyone else.

For more on the N95:
- Read this article at InformationWeek

Vaio UX: beauty at a price

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:01:37 -0400

Sony's Vaio is a lovely piece of hardware, with features that keep up with its appearance--but you'll pay for the privilege of walking into a meeting with a gorgeous piece of computing power under your arm. At 1.2 pounds, the UX fits in with other ultra-mobile PCs, but some reviewers have found that the total package isn't as fully polished as you might like, especially in a computer with a starting price of nearly $2,000. The good news starts with a highly-viewable screen and great control layout. The bad news begins with a keyboard that's far less than a pleasure to use. It's a pretty package to take on the road, but be aware of the limitations before you reach for your credit card.

For more on the Vaio UX:
- Read the complete review at Mobile Tech Today

An 'intelligent' terminal for mobile users

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 19:01:37 -0500

Relying on mobile WiMAX, Samsung Electronic's new foldable mobile device offers phone, PC and music playback capabilities. The Mobile Intelligent Terminal (MIT) features a fold-out keyboard, a five-inch screen and weighs in at just about a pound. It's supposedly the first WiMAX device that supports cellular phone service, according to Samsung which plans initially to launch the tool in South Korea in 2007. The device, which also boasts a camera, MP3 player and video player, uses the CDMA mobile phone standard. Samsung describes the system as the "best example of convergence." Article

For text needs, Sidekick 3 is hard to beat

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 20:01:37 -0400

If your users are heavy emailers and note takers, one device you might want to check out is the Sidekick 3. Danger's new PDA and phone boasts both a trackball and a comfortable keyboard, along with an MP3 player. The one drawback is that the device, which retails for about $300, doesn't have terrific phone capabilities. You have to do a lot of flipping to make a call--initially swiveling and flipping the display up to access the phone keyboard and then flipping the screen shut to actually talk. Yet the voice quality tested well and there are a bunch of nice add-ons for communication needs such as a calendar, an address book and the ability to save photos. Review

A tool chest of features for your new VoIP network

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 20:01:37 -0400

If you're plugging Voice over Internet Protocol into your infrastructure, you might want to check out a new package of peripherals made just for VoIP networks. The EasyCall Desktop, from Logictech, features a speakerphone that doubles as a call control center, has keys for dialing and storing numbers or IP addresses, and includes a keyboard boasting one-touch access to your e-mail and Web browser. And the price isn't too high considering all that functionality--just a little over $130. Article