Amazon’s Kindle To Change The World Of E-books
Amazon, the e-tail giant with thick roots in the sale of physical books, will reportedly make a push into the hardware space with the release of Kindle, a new e-book reader. Amazon has apparently secured a deal with Sprint to give Kindle the ability to access the retailer’s site anywhere via the EVDO network. E-books are just part of Amazon’s clear push into digital media sales.
Amazon is unabashedly looking to the iPod for inspiration, attempting to make a piece of hardware that needs minimal expertise to run and that ties specifically to its own store, in this case, Amazon.com, which will offer 88,000 book titles for sale at launch. Even better, the Kindle is designed to be usable sans computer. It connects directly to a special Sprint-powered cellular network called Whispernet (not Wi-Fi) and lets you download directly from the web. However, there are no additional monthly service fees for the privilege.
The Kindle not only allows users to download books, but also newspapers and magazines, and they can subscribe to blogs in less than a minute. Bezos said it will revolutionize the way people read, and it’s simple to use. “When you’re ready to buy this book, you just scroll up to the buy button and you click on your scroll reel,” he said. “The book will be wirelessly downloaded to your device.” Part of the Kindle’s charm is that it aims to read like a real book with a paperlike display. But unlike old-school periodicals, users control the settings on the eBook. I’m not really sure if such a device can succeed in today’s market, but one thing is clear: reading ebooks on your computer isn’t definitely flawless and the ol’ good paper still matters.
The device, which will reportedly sell for US$399, was made possible through a variety of deals, including a reported deal with Sprint (NYSE: S) Latest News about Sprint Nextel for access to its EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) high-speed wireless Let RIM Professional Services help you optimize mobile solutions. Targeted at the road warrior contingent and business-related travelers, the Kindle will give readers a download of the digital editions of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal every morning.
Another 50 to 100 newspaper publishers have also signed on to put their electronic editions on the reader as well.
Samsung Q1P SSD UMPC Review
With the introduction of Samsung’s Q1 UMPC last year and shortly thereafter, the more powerful Q1P model, a new category and form factor for PCs emerged: a truly ultra-mobile device that provides the power of a PC, but can also be carried in a small briefcase, daypack or handbag.The Q1 model provides users with an innovative way to combine PC functionality along with multimedia versatility and advanced connectivity, all in an ultra-mobile platform.
The Q1P SSD is the most powerful UMPC model available today. Fueled by an impressive 32GB of SSD flash memory, as opposed to the traditional 1.8″ Hard Drive found in the earlier Q1 models, the Q1P SSD model is ideal for those applications that require a no-compromise, high-performance mobile computing solution that can operate in diverse conditions.
The Q1P SSD UMPC is designed for optimum performance. With the SSD-enabled model, boot time is 25-50 percent faster than systems that employ a traditional hard drive. Overall system performance is significantly enhanced, as the SSD is capable of reading 300 times faster (53 MB/s) and writes 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) than models with typical hard drives. .The Q1P SSD model’s battery life is also improved, as it requires less power to run the flash-based SSD hard drive versus a conventional, rotational media-based hard drive.
Various options for the Q1 models are also available at affordable prices, including a USB keyboard, organizer, extended battery and an external optical disc drive.
TabletKiosk Semi-rugged UMPC
Tough, lightweight and designed for business on the go, the eo TufTab v7112XT is the ultra-mobile computing solution built for hard working professionals who are constantly on the road or in non-traditional working environments.
Powered by an energy efficient VIA C7-M ULV processor and running your choice of Windows Vista Business, Window XP Tablet Edition or open SUSE Linux, the rugged yet lightweight eo TufTab v7112XT, equipped with a biometric fingerprint reader, provides the perfect combination of mobile performance, security and durability.
Designed to withstand more extreme environmental conditions than a standard PC, the IP53 rated eo TufTab v7112XT includes protection from rain, dust, humidity, extreme temperatures and vibration. Where ever your work takes you, a rugged eo TufTab is the best mobile solution for your demanding ultra-mobile computing needs.
Epson P-5000
An essential tool for the professional photographer, the Epson P-5000 provides an innovative way to download, store and display thousands of photos, videos and more on the spot – without a computer. With the ultra fast processor, it’s easy to backup images right from your memory card or camera. Transfer thousands of photos in no time at all. Then, continue shooting.
With the large, four-inch LCD, you’ll be able to instantly review images, or share your portfolio with clients immediately after the shoot. With Adobe RGB color space support, each viewer displays over 16.7 million colors. You can even zoom in and verify RAW files. With the Epson P-5000, it couldn’t be easier!
And, with a long battery life, they’re ideal for extended, on-location shoots. Save and view all your best shots at the scene. The Epson P-5000 makes it easy to save and share images virtually anywhere, with amazing clarity and color.
Asus P535 Tri-Band PDA
According to Mr. Altaf Ansari, Product Manager, ASUS India, “The ASUS P535 PDA phone is innovative and feature rich which fulfills the business and connectivity needs of professionals on the move.”
Originally developed for military use, Global Positioning System now has a wide range of civilian applications, for both work and play. Navigating appointment venues in a foreign land, tracking distance and speeds on road trips, treks or while jogging – the P535 offers the wonders of GPS in a compact, handy form factor.
The P535’s integrated auto-focus 2.0 megapixel camera is not only capable of high quality pictures, it’s also a business card scanner, picking up contact details off photographed business cards in a snap – especially convenient when attending business conventions.
The ASUS P535 PDA will be available in India through ASUS’ distributor Neoteric Informatique Pvt. Ltd. ASUS also plans to launch more models in this product line in the coming months.