Keyboards have apparently become such a hassle for people. How else do we explain the growing popularity of touchscreen devices, from smartphones to portable video players to even computers and Apple’s potential netbook sans keyboard. But Asus wants to take it one step farther. Forget typing, even on a virtual keyboard, Asus plans to have voice-controlled Eee PCs out by the end of 2009.
Along with their Fold/ Unfold concept laptops, Asus is working to implement new technology that will rid the world of keyboards. In fact, Jerry Shen, CEO of the Taiwan-based company, said Asus wants to see “the end of the keyboard.” Why the aversion to keyboards? We doubt it’s because of the noise. Switching to voice-controlled PCs wouldn’t solve that problem at all. In fact, if everyone here started dictating their blogs to their computers, I’m quite certain I would go mad. And how would the computer pick my voice out of hundreds of others or even over the noise or the train?
Despite the questions of how the technology will work in the real world, the concept may have some real meat behind it. We think the real reason Shen wants to get rid of the keyboard is because he is mostly likely suffering from carpal tunnel. Thinking of it that way, we’re more than happy to bid a non-tearful adieu to the pain inducing and hand crippling keyboards and start jabbering away. Forget the noise, we’ll dictate all the witty and newsy blogs without any fear of what it will do to our forearms.
Asus Ready to Rid World of Keyboards
Panasonic updates ToughBook 19 and 30 Rugged Laptops
The Panasonic Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet PC is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300 1.2GHz processor, up to 4GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive. It has a 10.4-inch LED backlit display with Circular polarization and 4 to 1000 nit LCD brightness.
On the other hand, Panasonic Toughbook 30 Clamshell Laptop is more powerful thanks to the Core 2 Duo SL9300 1.6GHz processor, up to 4GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive and integrated GMA 4500MHD graphics. It has a 13.3-inch LCD screen with Circular polarization and 1000 nit LCD brightness.
Both laptops supports WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth and offers optional Gobi 3G Global Mobile Internet module for HSPA and EV-DO Rev. A connectivity. 32GB SSD option is available for both rugged laptops.
Panasonic’s Mil-Spec-certified notebooks has magnesium alloy cases.Their screens, cases, ports, and keyboards are IP54-rated for particulates and water. They have also achieved UL1604 Class 1 / Div. 2 certification for use in hazardous environments.
The new Toughbook 19 is priced at $3749 while the new Toughbook 30 costs $3649.
MSI Wind U110 ECO Power-Saving Netbook
Presto: Instant-On for Any PC
The Sony Vaio P Laptop is Here!
Sony has finally unveiled the Vaio P-series , but whatever you do though, don't call it a netbook, as Sony says it's not a netbook. We're not quite sure what the difference is, but we guess it has something to do with the US$899.99 starting price.
When you consider that you get a 1.33GHz Atom 520 processor and 2GB of non upgradeable DDR2 memory for this price, then we wouldn't want to call it a netbook either, as it would make us look stupid.
However, Sony of course gone a crazy 1600x768 resolution 8in display (that's a 2.08:1 aspect ratio), although from early reports, it's not half as bad as it sounds. Other features include built in 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, a built in HSPDA modem, a GPS receiver, a webcam and separate memory card readers for SD and Memory Stick Duo cards.
The default storage device is a 60GB 1.8in hard drive, although 64 and 128GB SSD drives are available as a cost option. The Vaio P only has two USB 2.0 ports, one on each side. The only other two physical ports consists of a headphone jack and a combined display/network port to which a supplied dongle has to be attached. Although you only get a D-sub connector, Sony has at least added Gigabit Ethernet to the P-series.
Add to this the fact that the Vaio P weighs in at a ridiculously light 635g and you've got a fairly impressive netbook, sorry notebook.
More impressively, Sony claims four hours battery life out of the standard batter, with an optional battery available which is said to double this for an extra US$129.99. Sony has also incorporated its Xbar UI in an instant on OS for the P-series. All models ship with Windows Vista Home.
The base model at US$899.99 comes with the 60GB hard drive, Vista Home Basic and an option of four colours which consists of white, black, red and green. The next model up will set you back US$1,1199.99 and that extra money only buys you a 64GB SSD drive and a lesser choice of colours as this model only comes in black or red, at least at the moment. The top of the range model comes in at a whopping $1,499.99, but at least you get Vista Home Premium on top of the 128GB SSD drive upgrade. This model is only available in black.
In Pics: The 17-inch MacBook Pro
Here are the first pics of the highly anticipated unibody 17-inch MacBook Pro - the world's thinnest and lightest 17-inch laptop!
It features a 1900 x 1200 LED backlit display, with a 700:1 contrast ratio, wider color gamut and a glorious $50 matte option.
Most of the specs are otherwise quite similar to the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but unfortunately Apple went with a MBA-style non-removable battery, claiming that the lack of removable mechanism allowed for more battery -- they're speccing it at 8 hours of lithium polymer juice on integrated graphics, 7 hours on discrete, and it's rated at 1000 recharges
This amazing new treat from Apple comes with a FireWire 800 port, a Mini DisplayPort, three USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, an ExpressCard 34 slot and a battery life indicator.
The rigid aluminum keyboard webbing has been cut precisely to hold the keys and these illuminated keys are curved to perfectly fit fingers.
There will also be an exchange program for this MacBook Pro, like with the iPod. The base model hits at $2799.
