Computer CPU Processors

Amadeus Consulting Discusses: iPad Alternatives-Redux Part I

In a previous blog post, we covered a bunch of tablet alternatives to the iPad™. Unfortunately, shortly after writing the article, most of the tablets were either cancelled or delayed, so we wanted to follow-up on our previous article and give some updates on what is happening with tablet.

Also, in an upcoming blog post we will be covering a new batch of tablets that have since been announced.  In general, since we develop (or can potentially develop) custom software applications for clients on these devices, we tend to focus a bit more on the software side of these tablets.

The WePad – Now the WeTab

Status: Delayed until mid-September, and underwent a name change. Formerly the WePad, Neofonie has changed the name of its upcoming tablet to the WeTab, perhaps in consideration of all the iPad jokes.

Features: the WeTab has a very impressive arsenal of features and hardware. Based around Google's™ open Android™ operating system, the WeTab boasts a 11.6" display, a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, GPS, a webcam, USB sockets, a flash card reader, and many other impressive features. It also boasts Flash compatibility and broad support for standard PC peripherals.

With the Android operating system, users will be able to download and run apps from the Android Marketplace, as well as its own WeTab AppStore, which means that current android apps should be able to run fine on the WeTab, or have WeTab specific applications. Also, unlike the iPad, the Android OS allows multitasking which creates a much better user experience.

If it can do everything they say it can, it is going to be one of the most impressive tablets on the market, and it provides encouragement to those looking to build apps for android phones since they will also get to play with tablet devices.

Archos Home Tablets

Status: Originally planned to ship in late April or May, but was delayed until June. It is not open to the Android Marketplace and only runs on Android 1.5, but it does have its own marketplace with about 1000 apps.

Features: Unfortunately, there is no longer much that really makes the Archos tablets stand out.  Archos 8 – with its picture frame type display still could have some fun uses, such as in the kitchen, or for more social chatting, but neither really stands out in terms of features or price. Of course, they do provide all the standard tablet features, but they leave out some of the extra perks that really distinguish it from other tablets, or even from larger display Smartphones.

Notion Ink:  Adam

Status: Delayed until November, but preorders are set to start soon. It may come with a standard LCD version and then one with an upgraded Pixel QI screen.

Features: According to the website, the Notion Ink's Tablet "changes everything."  Why are so many people trying to change everything and then changing it again? But besides the branding, the tablet is really cool.

Among its best features is that it runs Adobe® Flash® to leverage the best of rich Internet applications, has a 180 degree swivel camera for video chart or taking front-facing pictures, multi-touch support and 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. In addition, Adam features a Pixel QI transflective screen. What is that? It is a 10.1 inch screen that can switch between backlit LCD mode like on other tablets, and a low-power electrophoretic reflective mode, which looks more or less like e-ink, making it a great solution for switching between video and e-books and greatly extending battery life while reading.

Expected to be released this June, Adam claims to have up to 16 hours of HD video playback, supporting 1080p video, all powered by a dual-core ARM processor and an NVidia GPU. Notion Ink applications are expected to either run on Flash, or on a proprietary – but open – software system.

Adam really opens up the door to future application development possibilities for mobile and portable devices. Needless to say, we can't wait to get our hands on one.

Microsoft® Courier

Status: Dead. Or even deader than dead, if that is possible. In fact, it was only a proof of concept prototype and was never meant for production, but was leaked to the media by a third party. It was a pretty nifty folding tablet device, about the size of two iPhones™ with a crease down the middle. The software would let you "tuck" things into this crease, and the screens could be used in any number of ways, including as a keyboard / display. It was a really interesting idea, which unfortunately never will make it to market.

HP® Slate Windows® 7

Status: Most likely dead in its current state, with a redesign in progress. This one is a tough call though because it appears that HP still wants to release a tablet, but would prefer to drop the Windows 7 component. Now that HP has acquired Palm®, it appears that they may delay and redesign the tablet to use some sort of Palm OS. For now, the HP Slate is still officially alive, but HP has been strangely silent on the project since the initial announcement.

Features: We're not sure of the specifics, but we would definitely love to see HP and Palm come out with a really strong mobile or tablet OS, or even a strengthened version of webOS. As custom software developers, we would definitely love more programming toys, and another addition to the mobile development market could present some interesting alternatives for consumers.

We are hoping that the tablet maintains some of its other initial features, such as Bluetooth compatibility, USB ports, and Wi-Fi. But HP could go a bit further and try for WiMAX, or the ability to create a Wi-Fi Hub with 3G capability. In either case, with all of HP's innovation and resources, this will be a fun product to watch.

Stay tuned for tomorrow when we post the second half of this article.

 

About the Author

About Todd McMurtrey

The marketing team at Amadeus Consulting considers it part of their daily tasks to stay on top of what is going on in the technology marketplace. It is important to our company culture to be technology thought leaders, but we also want to share our knowledge and insights with readers excited about the latest and greatest tech news in the Tech Market Watch blog.

Asus EEE PC 1215N Notebook Evaluation

If you have been carrying out some research into Choosing the right notebook computer, then you may possess a decent idea of what is known. Perhaps you could have worked out that not all you have discovered will apply to you. Your specific situation will affect what additional areas of investigation you have to consider. There is always much more you can come across and use that will be very beneficial to you. This can prove to be a challenge for anyone if you need very unique kinds of information and help. We have found the following about Asus EEE PC1215N, and we want to expand on it and give some additional clarity.

Analysis for the Asus EEE 1215N Notebook

The laptop computer development in which having miniature netbooks that will accomplish the straightforward tasks with basic applications that are the most necessary was begun by Asus. The basic specs allowed these netbooks to be lightweight with above-average battery life and the price is far lower than midrange 14-inch laptops. However, these notebook computers in many cases are slow in efficiency restricting the use of multitasking particularly if they are running on Windows 7. The ASUS 1201N tried to make a difference through integrating quicker equipment but ended up suffering in the battery life. The next endeavor hopes to achieve enhanced portability put together with greater general performance together with value for money.

Advantages

Adual-core Intel Atom D525 processor takes on more demanding tasks, that's standard with the Asus EEE PC Notebook and not generally in most others. Third-party apps working alongside will run smoothly as a result of 2 GB of RAM it comes equipped with. It's no problem to play back content through HDMI, as with its predecessor, since it still features the NVIDIA ION GPU. It may even surprise you that some of the 3D gaming titles perform nicely. Even though you will need to tone down many games to their lowest settings, the general overall performance significantly exceeds the majority of integrated graphics solutions. But portable lap tops feature integrated graphics simply because they don't consume too much power which can be very good while you are not attached to the socket. What makes the 1215N nice is that it actually contains the Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics that's in reality the default GPU. As soon as a demanding app is launched, the technological innovation automatically goes over to the NVIDIA ION. This permits the 1215N to perform for in excess of 5 hrs of usual usage.

The 12.1-inch display also means that more pixels can be squeezed in. There's adequate room for the workspace as well as all the programs to operate with a 1366 by 768 resolution, and operate nicely with that size too. The key pad is actually 96% of the full size types so it's also perfect for touch typists. It's also very futureproof since it has a USB 3. 0 port besides the typical couple of USB 2. 0 ports so compatible external harddrives get a considerable speed boost.

Drawbacks

Other mini netbooks are a little lighter weight versus Asus EEE PC 1215N Notebook, though not by very much. Students and also travelers definitely will love that it's smaller sized with a lot less bulk, weighing below 3 and half lbs. This touchpad could also benefit from some improvement with regards to functionality. The buttons are a bit too resistant and make a loud click. It would be helpful to use a mouse because of this.

In Conclusion

The Asus EEE PC 1215N notebook will get good overall performance for standard programs and will even manage Warcraft, which makes it a great compromise when compared to netbook computers available which will operate up to 10 hours before needing charged but with much less user friendliness. The 1215N is more useful compared to a tablet computer, and the selling price is certainly below $500.

It feels bad when you burn cash (yet again) on true love online. You have seen NO improvement at all? We know - you have to see Planet Love Match Online Dating to believe it.

Dell GX270 casing and a non-dell motherboard?

I have a used Dell Optiplex GX270 that has a the famous bulging capacitor problem, it blue screens every now and then because of it. Dell had offered to replace this for users who were under warranty, my machine is not under warranty so I cannot have Dell replace the motherboard. I do not want to buy a used/new Dell Motherboard from eBay as it is $100 for a new Dell GX270 mobo and $50 for a used (which is probably damaged and has the same issues).

I want to know if it is possible to install a non-dell motherboard in a the GX270 casing. The original Dell GX270 mobo has a Socket 478 on it. I can buy a non-dell mobo (Intel mobo) from the web or local store for $60. I prefer to get that to work with the GX270 casing as it will be new and a better quality (Intel and not the cheap stuff that Dell uses).

Does dell use proprietary plugs for the power button and lights? will I be able to connect the power supply and everything to the intel mobo? will the screws fit?

Hello,

Why do not try Registry Easy ?

This software can fix the problem of blue screen , recommend you give a try.

You can get it from here

http://www.keep-pc-clean.com/registry-easy-cleaner.html

Good luck.

Intel D945GCCL Intel Socket 775 Micro ATX Motherboard