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The Entourage eDGe, netbook meets eReader
From Engadget.com, Nov 19th - This dual screen device is both an eReader and a Netbook & might be an indication of the future of portable computers. It is still in prototype form & they are still working on getting some the features to function in time for an early 2010 launch.
The price is set at $490.00 US which is on the high end for eReaders & even netbooks - maybe it will function as both but we will not find out until the final version of the device comes out next year. There is alot of interest on the net about this product so we will love to get more news at it comes.
Microsoft Courier - Fact or Fiction?
From PC World, Nov 5th, 2009 - The Courier's main function will be as a day planner/notebook that allows you to keep track of appointments, to-do lists, and contacts but it will have all the functions of a PDA/Smartphone & web browser.
In addition, Courier is believed to have significant flexibility allowing you to create original drawings and sketches using an application like Microsoft Paint. You will also be able to take notes, snap photos, browse the Web, and clip photos and text from Web pages. The Courier, if that is really its name, may not have a true e-ink Reader but will likely be able to display ebooks on a color screen.
Based on what has already been reported, the rumored Courier tablet would have two 7-inch color screens, with a flexible hinge in the middle allowing the device to close like a book. The hinge would also have a home button, as well as indicators for wireless signal and battery strength. The two screens can accept handwriting from a stylus or multi-touch inputs from your fingers.
Courier would not have any type of keyboard, and rely entirely on handwriting recognition for text input. Courier would also include Wi-Fi connectivity, and a camera on the back of the device. There's no word on whether Courier would include extras like a Webcam for video conferencing or 3G connectivity.
In addition, Courier is believed to have significant flexibility allowing you to create original drawings and sketches using an application like Microsoft Paint. You will also be able to take notes, snap photos, browse the Web, and clip photos and text from Web pages. The Courier, if that is really its name, may not have a true e-ink Reader but will likely be able to display ebooks on a color screen.
Based on what has already been reported, the rumored Courier tablet would have two 7-inch color screens, with a flexible hinge in the middle allowing the device to close like a book. The hinge would also have a home button, as well as indicators for wireless signal and battery strength. The two screens can accept handwriting from a stylus or multi-touch inputs from your fingers.
Courier would not have any type of keyboard, and rely entirely on handwriting recognition for text input. Courier would also include Wi-Fi connectivity, and a camera on the back of the device. There's no word on whether Courier would include extras like a Webcam for video conferencing or 3G connectivity.
Camangi to introduce an Android Webstation
From Canangi.webstation - The Camangi WebStation is the world’s first 7-inch handheld device that runs Google Android & brings a new way to enjoy the Internet and your entertainment all under a stylish Internet Tablet.
Camangi WebStation aspires to bring people the most convenient Internet tablet with the simplest design. Unlike most electronic devices, there are no overly complicate functions or navigation process, so you can always stay online by enjoying the simplicity of the device whether you’re familiar with electronic products or not.
The WebStation supports a wide range of features, including web browser, music(video) player, digital frame, eBook reader, and so on. With a sensitive touchscreen and a high-resolution display that barely weights a third of an average Netbook. Camangi WebStation offers you a comfortably sized screen to view and carry around either at home or on the go!
The WebStation is the essential device for a simpler digital life. If you’re looking for a portable device that can fulfill your modern day demands on the go, Camangi WebStation will go above and beyond your need by offering audio, recreational apps, and experience the Internet without ever touching your computer or cell phone. Start embracing the next level of Internet Tablet!
Camangi WebStation aspires to bring people the most convenient Internet tablet with the simplest design. Unlike most electronic devices, there are no overly complicate functions or navigation process, so you can always stay online by enjoying the simplicity of the device whether you’re familiar with electronic products or not.
The WebStation supports a wide range of features, including web browser, music(video) player, digital frame, eBook reader, and so on. With a sensitive touchscreen and a high-resolution display that barely weights a third of an average Netbook. Camangi WebStation offers you a comfortably sized screen to view and carry around either at home or on the go!
The WebStation is the essential device for a simpler digital life. If you’re looking for a portable device that can fulfill your modern day demands on the go, Camangi WebStation will go above and beyond your need by offering audio, recreational apps, and experience the Internet without ever touching your computer or cell phone. Start embracing the next level of Internet Tablet!
The eDGe - Double the fun
From itworld.com, Dec 4th, 2009 - Here's another e-reader that combines a traditional LCD screen with an e-ink display: the entourage eDGE. , Like the Nook & "Spring Designs Alex", it has an LCD screen & an e-ink screen, unlike both, the eDGe positions the screens side by side and opens like a book. You have a full e-ink screen (9.7 inches diagonally) on one side and a full LCD screen (10.1 inches diagonally) on the other. Like the Nook and Alex, the eDGe is running Android under the hood.
enTourage is billing this as both a netbook (sans keyboard) and an e-reader. The hinge between the two screens lets you fold the device back on itself to offer a tablet-profile with just one screen showing. There's some interaction between the two screens. Entourage gives a couple of examples: clicking a link in a PDF on the e-ink side will open that link in a web browser on the LCD side. Ditto searching for a phrase on the e-ink side; again a browser opens on the other screen with your search results.
enTourage is billing this as both a netbook (sans keyboard) and an e-reader. The hinge between the two screens lets you fold the device back on itself to offer a tablet-profile with just one screen showing. There's some interaction between the two screens. Entourage gives a couple of examples: clicking a link in a PDF on the e-ink side will open that link in a web browser on the LCD side. Ditto searching for a phrase on the e-ink side; again a browser opens on the other screen with your search results.
The Archos 9 PCtablet is a good attempt
From UmPCPortal, Dec 24, 2009 - According to this review the Archos 9 is neither the next generation of netbooks or even the next generation of mobile entertainment. It is just a lightweight PC tablet that really fails to push boundaries in mobility, entertainment or productivity.
The Archos 9 looks and feels great with excellent button placement & styling and the 8.9”, bright, sharp 1024×600 screen is actually pretty good when used on its stand for use as a viewer or netbook screen.
Where it fails, is the extendable flip-out stand which collapses when moving it to the right & the pivot looks like a potential weak point too. The Windows 7 starter pack running on the Atom 1.1Ghz Z510, 60GB HDD, 1GB of RAM platform is underpowered and slow. There is Wifi & Bluetooth included by no 3G module. A stylus is provided but is flimsy & touch navigation is easier to use on this device. Maybe Archos will release a more powerful edition in the future?
The Archos 9 looks and feels great with excellent button placement & styling and the 8.9”, bright, sharp 1024×600 screen is actually pretty good when used on its stand for use as a viewer or netbook screen.
Where it fails, is the extendable flip-out stand which collapses when moving it to the right & the pivot looks like a potential weak point too. The Windows 7 starter pack running on the Atom 1.1Ghz Z510, 60GB HDD, 1GB of RAM platform is underpowered and slow. There is Wifi & Bluetooth included by no 3G module. A stylus is provided but is flimsy & touch navigation is easier to use on this device. Maybe Archos will release a more powerful edition in the future?
Microsoft is wrong to ignore eReaders
Recently, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that Microsoft is not interested in creating a e-Reader and will choose to focus on it's computer tablet device called the "Courier".
This mini computer will be like an electronic writing book with two folding 7" screens which allows for taking notes, browsing on the web, sending messages, clipping passages & videos from the internet, use as a day planner, contact list & more but with all these features, they may not add an e-Reader application.
Like many e-Readers, this device will not have a keyboard & will rely on a stylus on a touchscreen, however it will not use e-ink & instead use an LCD type of dual screens.
I think Microsoft is making a big mistake if it is going to ignore the e-Book market which is set to explode into the mainstream. Yes, this tablet device may be aimed at busy business people, professionals & students who may not read for pleasure but I think most purchasers would prefer to take their notes, create documents & study their course material with an e-reader screen instead of a computer screen.
This gadget is shaped like a folding book with two screens (like a vertical Nintendo DSi) & yet we may not be able to read it like a book. That is plain dumb! As pretty as LCD screens are, it is very tiring to stare at them for hours while e-ink screens look like real ink & paper so readers can enjoy reading for hours without getting tired.
What I think Microsoft should do is create one LCD screen for web usage, messaging, photos, video & music on one side & a e-ink screen on the other fold for reading, note taking & writing. Come on, Microsoft, take this opportunity to make the best possible portable tablet computer you can create!
This mini computer will be like an electronic writing book with two folding 7" screens which allows for taking notes, browsing on the web, sending messages, clipping passages & videos from the internet, use as a day planner, contact list & more but with all these features, they may not add an e-Reader application.
Like many e-Readers, this device will not have a keyboard & will rely on a stylus on a touchscreen, however it will not use e-ink & instead use an LCD type of dual screens.
I think Microsoft is making a big mistake if it is going to ignore the e-Book market which is set to explode into the mainstream. Yes, this tablet device may be aimed at busy business people, professionals & students who may not read for pleasure but I think most purchasers would prefer to take their notes, create documents & study their course material with an e-reader screen instead of a computer screen.
This gadget is shaped like a folding book with two screens (like a vertical Nintendo DSi) & yet we may not be able to read it like a book. That is plain dumb! As pretty as LCD screens are, it is very tiring to stare at them for hours while e-ink screens look like real ink & paper so readers can enjoy reading for hours without getting tired.
What I think Microsoft should do is create one LCD screen for web usage, messaging, photos, video & music on one side & a e-ink screen on the other fold for reading, note taking & writing. Come on, Microsoft, take this opportunity to make the best possible portable tablet computer you can create!
The Gii Nii Movit Mobile Computer
From Engadget, March 2009 - The GiiNii's Movit Mini WiFi Android tablet is a very cool device-- think of it as the Android version of the iPod touch and you will know why people are watching this device's development.
The unit features a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 resistive touchscreen and it's got a soft keyboard for text entry. But it is more like an iPod Touch than a real netbook computer with punch so it does not seem like real competition to the offerings from Apple, Archos or Microsoft.
A built-in mic and front-facing camera lend themselves to out-of-the-box Skype support, there's also Bluetooth and a built-in speaker. Sadly, there's only 256MB of internal storage, but there's an microSD slot for expansion. No price has been revealed as of yet. .
The unit features a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 resistive touchscreen and it's got a soft keyboard for text entry. But it is more like an iPod Touch than a real netbook computer with punch so it does not seem like real competition to the offerings from Apple, Archos or Microsoft.
A built-in mic and front-facing camera lend themselves to out-of-the-box Skype support, there's also Bluetooth and a built-in speaker. Sadly, there's only 256MB of internal storage, but there's an microSD slot for expansion. No price has been revealed as of yet. .
The Archos 9 PCtablet Netbook
From Archos - ARCHOS once again is leading the way in innovation with the introduction of the Netbook of the future, the ARCHOS 9 PCtablet.
The new ARCHOS 9 PCtablet combines the performance of a high end netbook with breathtaking aesthetics, excellent ergonomics and a tactile interface on a superb screen.
Pure lines, extreme thinness (0.67''), 800g and a stunning black finish, the ARCHOS 9 PCtablet pushes the boundaries of elegance and simplicity on a Netbook, fulfilling the expectations of the most mobile users. It provides all the power and comfort needed for daily usage.
With this ultra-light and thin PCtablet, you can watch you videos (including Full HD format), browse the web, “video chat”, or write your mails or documents.
The new ARCHOS 9 PCtablet combines the performance of a high end netbook with breathtaking aesthetics, excellent ergonomics and a tactile interface on a superb screen.
Pure lines, extreme thinness (0.67''), 800g and a stunning black finish, the ARCHOS 9 PCtablet pushes the boundaries of elegance and simplicity on a Netbook, fulfilling the expectations of the most mobile users. It provides all the power and comfort needed for daily usage.
With this ultra-light and thin PCtablet, you can watch you videos (including Full HD format), browse the web, “video chat”, or write your mails or documents.
- Play all your multimedia content including HD* videos
- Use all your daily software such as Windows Live™ Messenger or Skype® with Windows® 7, or Lotus Symphony as a productivity suite
- Stay connected to Internet and your emails with the built-in connectivity
Many Tablet Computers are on the horizon in 2010
There are even more Tablet computers besides the Apple iSlate, Microsoft Courier, Entourage Edge and other devices listed here. In my opinion, every one of the hundreds of computer manufacturers will produce Tablet computers in addition to Notebook Laptops & Computer Desktops, as demand goes up and consumers will get accustomized to web searching, videos, emails & other applications on the go.
Current Netbooks available today will either shrink their keyboards & add touchscreens to make them even portable or they will increase in power and size to join & compete with Notebooks. This is a eReader site so we will only cover the eReader capabilties of the most popular Tablet readers coming out.
Future models out or soon to be released are the AIS Rugged Tablet PC, the PaceBlade SlimBook 200, the Quadpad Slate Style Tablet PC, the Fujitsu Stylistic Series, the Electrovaya Scribbler, the G-Net Tablet PC, The MobileDemand XTablet, the Motion LE Series, the JLT8404 Field Tablet PC, the Panasonic Toughbook, the TabletKiosk Sahara Slate PC, the Samsung Q1, the Axiotron Modbook and too many more to mention.
Current Netbooks available today will either shrink their keyboards & add touchscreens to make them even portable or they will increase in power and size to join & compete with Notebooks. This is a eReader site so we will only cover the eReader capabilties of the most popular Tablet readers coming out.
Future models out or soon to be released are the AIS Rugged Tablet PC, the PaceBlade SlimBook 200, the Quadpad Slate Style Tablet PC, the Fujitsu Stylistic Series, the Electrovaya Scribbler, the G-Net Tablet PC, The MobileDemand XTablet, the Motion LE Series, the JLT8404 Field Tablet PC, the Panasonic Toughbook, the TabletKiosk Sahara Slate PC, the Samsung Q1, the Axiotron Modbook and too many more to mention.
