Wireless Tech Chat

The eMachines EZ1600 looks incredibly plastic, and almost perfect as a second computer for the kids; the Acer Aspire Z5600 classes up the joint, but might be a bit too staid in the design department; and an unnamed multitouch Windows 7 Gateway (pictured) for the “high end” of things seemed great outside of its incredibly buggy pre-release multitouch driver.

Press Release:

A ‘Touch’ is all You Need with the New Acer All-in-one Multimedia and Aesthetics in 24 inch

2009-04-08 - New York In time, the multiple uses for computers have undergone evolutions and transformations. This doesn’t just involve simple work tool with highly technical performance features. PCs have become real companions for all daily activities, now indispensable to just about every household. Today the aesthetic appearance of the PC is more than just a bonus, especially in context of the home. Features such as design and proportions have gained even greater importance.

Acer has attentively followed the new market trends and has amplified these new dynamics through focused research and development that has demonstrated that rich specification into All-in-one no longer needs to command the extraordinary price premium seen today.

The result of this research has led to some really interesting news: the new All-in-one Acer Aspire Z5600 PC, characterized by its sought-after design, a spacious 24inch display and grand multimedia capability represents a current revolution in the world of PCs and it is engineered to maximize the full promise of the next operating system from Microsoft called Windows 7. Apart from the many refinements of Windows 7 over Vista, the Aspire Z5600 offers full touch screen capability at an affordable price. No longer do users have to be limited to the use of keyboard and mouse controls or be restricted with expensive propriety touch implementations, with the Windows 7 touch capability, users may freely alternate control of the PC with mouse or touch at their ergonomically enhanced leisure.

The miniaturization of internal components has allowed the all hardware to be placed on the rear of the LCD display. The result is an All-in-one device that merges power and elegance in a streamlined device. The new Aspire Z5600 is a mainstream affordable PC that guarantees elevated functionality thanks to the latest generation of Intel processors and spacious HDD capacity of up to 2TB. The latest generation of MXM graphic processors ensures optimum multimedia performance.

The Acer Aspire Z5600 is perfect for complimenting the most sophisticated environments and can be easily positioned in any room of your residence, from the lounge to the study or a child’s room. The new silver Aspire Z5600 is an entire digital entertainment system that integrates all the necessities of a true rich multimedia PC; including TV tuner to watch and record favorites television programs, integrated webcam for video calls to keep in touch with relatives and friends, and an incorporated DVD/Blu-Ray player/writer combo for playing back or burning movies, music and video.

from engadget:Good news, pre-orderers. ASUS’ 15.6-inch Eee Top all-in-one PC is now shipping from legitimate e-tailers around the web. Just in case you’ve fogtotten just under six bills buys you a 1.6GHz Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive and Windows XP Home. In other words, netbook components tucked within an LCD. Of course, we’d recommend holding off for the much larger, much more HD-friendly ET2203 and ET2003, but it’s your loot.

The Eee Top ET1602 builds upon Asus’ popular line of Eee-branded products by introducing an all-in-one desktop form factor, complete with a 15.6″ touch screen. Like the Eee PC netbooks that preceded it, the Eee Top ET1602 is built around Intel’s low-power Atom platform, with the 945 GSE chipset. Other features include an integrated webcam and 802.11n Wi-Fi, 4W speakers with SRS Premium Sound enhancement, and a flash memory card reader. At about $599, the Eee Top ET1602 is relatively expensive considering its performance, but its integrated touch screen and proprietary Asus Eee applications help to somewhat justify the investment for a system that offers such ease of use and innovative touch interface features.

Video from hothardware.com

Looking for an all-in-one but don’t want to pay Apple-level prices? Well, the new Asus EEE Top is now available for preorder in the US.

The 15.6-inch models are set to ship from Amazon on March 9th for $600. It comes in either black or white, loaded up with a custom touchscreen interface, a 1.6GHz Atom processort, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, built-in webcam, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Windows XP.

And if 15.6 inches is a bit too small for you, rumor has it your patience could be rewarded with a 22-inch version coming out later.

Asus is continuing its assault on the tech press with that Airo Origami laptop coolness that we saw at CES.

Asus have confirmed that the Airo will be coming to the retail market - now named the Fold/Unfold laptop.

If you remember, this slice of gorgeousness is inspired by the ancient art of paper folding and ergonomically-enhanced, with the keyboard sliding up to an angle that’s going to put less strain no your hands.

When folded away it becomes as flat as a flat thing that’s been run over by a steam-roller.

According to Asus chief Jerry Shen, we’re likely to see the Fold/Unfold later this year - as soon as late summer.

Asus are also working on a real dual-screen laptop but the one that’s being flashed around the interweb is nothing more than a tease.

TopTenReviews has this inside info:

At CeBit, TechRadar actually got a chance to interview Asus CEO Jerry Shen who announced (unofficially) that the Fold/Unfold is about to go into production and expects the computer to be available Q3. Yes, this Q3, just in time for Christmas.

The Fold (that’s what I’m calling it for short) was originally unveiled earlier this year at CES with the name Asus AIRO, obviously with the MacBook Air on the brain. That name seems to have been retracted, for now. That’s cool, I like Fold better, what do you think?

The MacBook influence isn’t lost on anyone, with its sleek utilitarian design, even the glowing underside of the keyboard is the same color purple as OS X Leopard, but more I look at the Fold the more it reminds me of a Trapper Keeper with a keyboard. (I would have been the coolest kid in the 5th grade if I had one of these.)

Specs on the fancy Asus Fold are still non-existent; as is a price point, but who cares it looks awesome.

Here’s what Gizmodo has to say: No offense, Asus, but when a company puts a netbook’s name on an ultra-thin, ultra-light computer, it’s like the first time grandma danced to Who Let The Dogs Out at a wedding. Trend over.

From eeepc.net: Official specs of the Eee PC 1008HA Shell revelead that this netbook is thin measuring only one inch thick and lightweight as well as 2.4 pounds. It has a 10.1-inch LCD panel. Brad of Liliputing couldn’t helped compare the Eee PC 1008HA to an MSI netbook.

Other prominent feature of the Eee PC 1008HA Shell is its large keyboard and touchpad, and large shift key on the right side of the keyboard.

In addition, the Eee PC 1008HA Shell will also be utilizing the Asus Eee Docking application bar. This would allow users to access Eee Sharing utility for transferring files from the Eee PC 1008HA to the Eee online storage area.

And slashgear.com says: At their CeBIT 2009 press conference this morning, ASUS officially announced the Eee PC 1008HA - the netbook formerly known as the “Shell”. Just 1-inch thick and 1.1kg in weight, the 1008HA will have optional WiMAX and 3.5G WWAN connectivity.

So there’ll be plenty of options for your wireless connectivity. I wouldn’t mind having one of these.

Despite the size, the Eee PC 1008HA fits a 92-percent standard-size keyboard, multitouch trackpad, 1.3-megapixel camera and standard WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth.

As for the finish, it’s a new pearlescent casing which ASUS chairman Jonney Shih described as marine influenced, with a slight seashell-like texturing.

Acer files Tablet PC patent.

Long have I wished Compaq/HP extended the Tablet PC line from the ever popular TC1100, what I currently have. It is the perfect form factor for those of us that like the Slate PC with the option of having a keyboard.

From Gotta Be Mobile, Electronic Pulp has gotten their hands on a recent Acer patent showing a “portable electronic device” that resembles a netbook/MID. Little information is known although there is a slide up QWERTY keyboard underneath the screen, it has 3 USB ports, 1 FireWire, Optical Disk Drive, ExpressCard slot, d-pad, Touchpad with left and right buttons, and possible infrared.

My TC1100 has both bluetooth and infrared and Acer’s Tablet PC has at least infrared. No other information has been put forth. So if you know something or have ideas, let us know.

After many leans, innundos and teases, Asus officially launches their 10″ Aspire One.

Anyone who didn’t see this coming just wasn’t paying attention. Acer has officially announced a 10-inch version of the very successful Aspire One Netbook. Other than size there are a couple of interesting new wrinkles.

The new model can be equipped with either an Intel Atom processor with the 945GSE Express chipset or Mobile Intel 820801GBM chipset, although it is unclear if that is a consumer choice or not. It will also be able to be equipped with up to 2GB of RAM.

At a little more than one kilo (1.18 kg), the new 10” Aspire One combines style, great features and a new form factor to provide the best combination of ultra-portability and maximum screen size for navigation and data input.

Designed for an optimal web browsing experience and Internet productivity, the 10” Aspire One includes a 10.1” WSVGA LED backlit display with a resolution of 1024×600 pixels that offers a broader vision for more convenient navigation. Integrated on top of the screen is the unique Acer Crystal Eye webcam optimized for poorly lit environments, a tiny window, tastefully encircled by a mirror rim, that keeps you connected to the world though live video streaming, video chats and conferences.

The 10” Aspire One comes with 802.11b/g WiFi and Acer Signal Up technology built-in as standard for easy access to available wireless networks. In addition is equipped with Bluetooth and can also be specified with a choice of embedded WiMAX or 3G wireless technologies for unlimited connectivity.

The 10” Aspire One meets Energy Star 4.0 requirements and can be equipped with a 6-cell Li-ion battery pack. With incredibly low idle power consumption, the 10” Aspire One guarantees up to 7 hours battery life for maximum fun. The battery indicator, placed on the front side is immediately recognizable even when the netbook is folded.