Stuart Miles gives you his thoughts on some of the biggest tech stories of the week in this week's Tech Week In View episode.

This week it's all about Miles getting on his high horse about the Pirate Bay verdict, EA Sports Active, Apple's results and mobile operator 3's bold move with Skype.

Click play to find out more...

Tags: Comment Audio Biz Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness Video Megawhat

VIDEO: Tech Week In View 24/04/09 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:44:06 +0100

Pocket-lint's Stuart Miles talks over the week's big events giving us his thoughts on parents who want the games industry to be independently regulated, Google's Gfail disaster, Panasonic's launch of a Freesat Blu-ray recorder and the Xbox 360's Universal film offering.

Hit the play button to see what he thinks.

Tags: Comment Software Gaming Home Cinema Video Megawhat

VIDEO: Tech week in view 27-02-09 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:58:43 +0000

What was hot, what was missing, what was worth looking forward to, and what was bonkers at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona?

Now the dust has settled on the show find out what Stuart Miles thought by pressing the play button now.

Tags: Comment Phones MWC2009 Video Megawhat

VIDEO: Tech week in view 21-02-09 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 11:18:50 +0000

Join Pocket-lint's Stuart Miles as he takes a contemplative look back at recent headline news stories in the world of technology and gadgets.

Miles muses the Apple's 25 years selling computers, Tesco selling the wrong Dell computers, Nokia and RIM beating the recession to sell 1 million phones apiece and the emergency plan for TalkTalk customers

Tags: Hardware Phones Dell Tesco Apple Nokia RIM BlackBerry TalkTalk Video Megawhat Comment

VIDEO: Tech week in view 01-02-09 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:19:50 +0000

Join Pocket-lint's Stuart Miles as he takes a contemplative look back at recent headline news stories in the world of technology and gadgets.

Miles muses the major inaug09, Belkin's reader review scandal, the Twitterverse and Philip's new television announcement next week.

Tags: Comment Barack Obama Televisions Philips Twitter Belkin Online Software Home Cinema Video Megawhat

VIDEO: Tech week in view 23-01-09 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:08:18 +0000

In the second of two parts, we asked a Mac head and a PC bod to give their five top reasons why one system beats the other.

PCs are better because:

You rarely hear "not available on the PC"
When was the last time you heard that the latest bit of software isn't available for PC? It just doesn't happen. The latest Google apps always launch on PC first, the latest Adobe software, PC first, SlingBox, networking software all PC first. If you want the latest software and plenty of it, PC is the way to go.

So much cheaper I can have two
PCs are great value for money. Don't see any £200 Apple Macs floating around do you? Go PC and you can save around double that you would pay for "Apple tax" - and still get a faster machine in most cases.

You can play the latest games
Like games? Then you'll be wanting a PC. When was the last time you saw someone playing games on the Mac? It's for getting artsy crafty isn’t it? Whether it's a first person shooter like Battlefield 1942, real time strategy like Command and Conquer or a massive multiplayer online role playing game like World of Warcraft you're going to need a machine that is powerful enough to cope now and easily upgradeable in the future. You can't even replace the battery on those MacBook Airs let alone the graphics card.

You can build a system that is best suited for your needs
The PC is all about tinkering with your system to get the most out of it like a performance sports car. Want better graphics? No problem. Want more storage? Hey, you can do that too. With thousands of manufacturers making parts, there is so much choice, you can choose the best bit for you rather than get stuck with what Apple says you can have. When you get the right bits for your system you can then tune it to make it even better. Why not overclock your processor? If it can do it, you need to push it to the limit.

You can get something that will fit in your handbag
That MacBook Air might be thin but it's not a touch on the size of PC netbooks from Asus, MSI, Acer, Dell, HP, LG, and anyone else who's got one for sale. Small and light the netbook class of models are the most portable computers around. It's not just netbooks though, PC desktops come in lots of different sizes and guises as well rather than something that's just plain old silver.

Related links:

• Link - Five reasons Macs are better than PCs

Tags: Hardware Apple Microsoft Software MacBooks Leopard Features

Five reasons PCs are better than Macs originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Want to know what a 25.5-inch all in one desktop looks like? Stuart Miles, our intrepid reporter drops in at the HP consumer event at Harrods to check out the new all-in-one desktop computer.

The new model sports a massive touchscreen, wireless keyboard and mouse and Blu-ray drive.

Does it work? We get a hands-on play to find out.

Tags: Hardware Desktop PCs HP Video Megawhat

VIDEO: HP TouchSmart IQ800 PC originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:01:00 +0100

Megawhat braved the high seas (well airports) to bring you a roundup of the IFA trade show in Berlin.

This year's show featured plenty of new televisions, as well as a host of other gadgets and gizmos.

Here Stuart and Katie bring you the best of the best.

Tags: Home Cinema Sony Sharp Philips Samsung Televisions Netbooks LG LCD televisions IFA2008 Video Megawhat

VIDEO: Megawhat IFA roundup originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:30:43 +0100

This weeks stories include Stuart talking about the new Microsoft Seinfeld adverts, Google Chrome, The decline and fall of Wippit, and what might be in store from Apple next week.

Tags: Software Audio Video Megawhat Comment

VIDEO: Tech week in view 05-09-08 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:49:26 +0100

Megawhat.tv, the new WebTV channel from the world of technology and gadgets brought to you in conjunction with Pocket-lint.co.uk, has a new episode waiting and ready to view now.

This week, presenter Stuart Miles gets hands-on with a stack of iPod speaker docks.

Covering everything from Griffin to a Shaun of the sheep Stuart puts the them through their paces with cheesy 80s music.

He also rants about sites that merely photograph unboxing.

You don't have to sign up to watch the episode and it's completely and utterly free to view.

If you're reading this from Pocket-lint.co.uk, you can catch up with your favourite gadget show now by taking a short-cut via the Megawhat.tv logo at the very top of this screen, you can follow the link below or hop over to www.megawhat.tv to check it out now.

Tags: Audio Speakers iPod speakers Megawhat Video

VIDEO: iPod speaker docks originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:17:08 +0100

Gamesdog.co.uk, our sister gaming site is reporting that EA's boxing game, Fight Night could be making its way on to the console from Nintendo to challenge Nintendo's Wii Boxing title.

In an interview with boxing website doghouseboxing.com, Fight Night producer Michael Blank revealed that EA is currently discussing bringing the hit boxing franchise to the Wii.

"We're talking about it right now. We're contemplating and we definitely feel there are some exciting things we can do with the Fight Night franchise and the Wii", said Blank.

He also notes that Wii Boxing is a "very simple experience" and Fight Night is very much a simulation of the sport.

"...we need to take those Wii controls and tailor it to what the Fight Night consumer might want to experience. We are looking at it right now and I am sure you will something some time in the future on the Wii", concludes Blank.

Wii Boxing is just one of the Wii Sports titles that you get with the console. Other games include bowling, tennis, and baseball.

Tags: Gaming Nintendo Wii Sports games Nintendo EA

EA's Fight Night could be coming to the Nintendo Wii originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:31:37 +0000

An online community of people keen to know more searched Google.com this week to find details of [Anna Nicole Smith]'s sudden death, and the equally strange news that a third man, [Prince Frederick von Anhalt], is claiming paternity of the late Ms. Smith's 5-month-old baby girl. Also in the tabloidian arena is the saga of NASA astronaut [Lisa Nowak], charged with the attempted murder of romantic rival [Colleen Shipman] after a dramatic drive and encounter.

The tumultuous week didn't keep searchers from engaging in more predictable post-game evaluations of the [Superbowl commercials] and the half-time show, which featured musical artist [Prince]. Searchers were also wondering whether the heavy snowfall across the midwest and northeast US would cause [school closings] - or perhaps just how long they would last. Also this week, Oprah Winfrey featured a life philosophy called [The Secret] on her show, which claims to be able to help you make more money, lose weight, fall in love, and have a successful business. [Drew Barrymore]'s new movie "Music & Lyrics" premiered in LA, and a judge refused to dismiss charges against the only military officer charged in the [Abu Ghraib] prisoner abuse case.

Google's Zeitgeist results for the top gainers on Google.com, when comparing search queries that have risen by a significant percentage for the week of February 4-10, 2007 are:

Google.com Gainers

1. anna nicole smith
2. superbowl commercials
3. prince
4. colleen shipman
5. lisa nowak
6. the secret
7. school closings
8. drew barrymore
9. prince frederick von anhalt
10. abu ghraib

Related links:

• Link - Google Zeitgeist

Tags: Software Online Websites Email

Anna Nicole, The Super Bowl, And Nasa Star In The Google Weekly Zeitgeist originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 15:21:15 +0000

BT has announced the launch of two new videophones. The new Videophone 1000 and Videophone 2000 are broadband-enabled video telephones, which lets users see who they are talking to.

Calls are made using a broadband line with a BT Broadband Talk account.

BT are promising BT Videophone users high-definition sound quality and a full colour screen. The Videophone is future proofed so it allows automatic upgrades and it also has a built-in address book function.

All that’s needed to use the Videophone is a broadband line, a compatible router and a BT Broadband Talk account, which can be set-up online.

Calls between Videophones within your Broadband Talk calling plan are charged at 10p per minute.

If the person you're calling doesn't have a Videophone, the conversation will not include video and the call will be charged at standard BT Broadband Talk call rates.

The recommended retail price for the BT Videophone 1000 is £149.99. BT has also released their Videophone 2000, which contains the same functions as the 1000 but connects wirelessly and retails at £199.99.

Related links:

• Link - BT

Tags: Phones Landline Phones BT

BT launch Videophone 1000 and Videophone 2000 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:32:26 +0000

Garmin has announced a new version of the zumo motorcycle navigator, the zumo 400. Following on from TomTom's dedicated bike system Garmin's new offering has been designed to be used while wearing gloves.

The new unit features glove-friendly design with left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons. The waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards) device is preloaded with regional map data (UK and Ireland if bought in the UK). It includes an extensive and detailed points of interest database – including hotels, restaurants, petrol stations, ATMs, and attractions. In addition zumo 400 owners may also enter customised points of interest, such as camping sites or favourite picnic spots.

The zumo is also preloaded with speed camera information. The unit gives clear audio visual alerts when approaching cameras and warns you if you’re going too fast. The database is updated regularly to capture any location changes of fixed and mobile cameras. To ensure accuracy riders can subscribe to download the latest information whenever they want. The service is free for the first 3 months.

The zumo 400 also has many state-of-the-art security features to ensure the safety of the navigator. It includes a locking motorcycle mount with waterproof power and data cable connections. The mount is designed to withstand the severe vibration environment commonly experienced in motorcycle riding.

The zumo also features Garmin Lock, a unique theft prevention system that disables the zumo from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location. If the user does not know the PIN or secure location, the zumo will be inoperative.

The zumo 400 is expected to be available from March 2007.

Tags: Car And GPS GPS Garmin Motorbikes

Garmin launch bike friendly zumo 400 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:27:14 +0000

ILFORD has announced today the second step towards the completion of its wide format media range, OMNIJET.

The company has said that the latest additions have been created to cater for customers seeking a specialised host of media. All films have been designed to use with pigment and thermal ink jet printers using aqueous dye or pigment based ink sets. Products include:

Newly announced is the Instant Dry Matt SA Vinyl, Instant Dry Satin Banner, Instant Dry Satin Banner Textile, Instant Dry Matt Banner, Instant Dry Matt Canvas and Instant Dry Matt Canvas packs.

The Instant Dry Matt Self Adhesive Vinyl is a 4mil (175gsm) white opaque, matt, vinyl with a permanent adhesive. This allows the media to permanently bond to virtually any mounting substrate.

The Instant Dry Satin Banner is a 7mil (120gsm), white polypropylene film and is ideal for producing indoor graphics such as banners and short term outdoor graphics.

The Instant Dry Satin Banner Textile is a 6mil (115gsm), white polyester fabric and is an excellent solution for creating cost-effective banners.

The Instant Dry Matt Banner is an 8mil (130gsm), white polypropylene film. It is ideal for producing indoor graphics such as banners and short term outdoor graphics (with pigment inks).

The Instant Dry Matt Canvas is an 15mil (330gsm), cotton/polyester blend. It is a robust stretchable canvas with a high resistance to cracking and provides superior framing performance. It is ideal for producing indoor digital prints.

Related links:

• Link - Omnijet web

Tags: Printers Printer paper ILFORD

ILFORD add to OMNIJET paper stock range originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:25:21 +0000

A new gadget for webcam users is hoping to put an end to the age old problem of not looking at the other person when you are on the webcam.

Called See Eye 2 Eye, the device works like a periscope.

When you place the device over your current webcam, a set of mirrors beams the picture of the person you're talking to onto an optical grade beam-splitting glass, which sits in front of your webcam lens. You can see the reflected image while the other party isn't even aware you're looking at anything but your webcam.

The company states that most webcams from Logitech, Creative, Apple, and other manufacturers will work with See Eye 2 Eye.

Available from next week, the device will cost $99 and the company offers two versions - one suitable for desktop monitors, the other for laptop screens.

The company also offers Teleprompting software so you can use the device to read scripts to camera.

Tags: Accessories Bodelin Webcams Hardware CES 2007

Webcam gadgets lets you See Eye 2 Eye originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:16:25 +0000

Microsoft has announced that it is adding a digital photography challenge to its Imagine Cup this year.

The Imagine Cup’s Digital Photography Competition calls students around the globe to explore their creativity by using technology to solve real-world problems.

Last year over 65,000 students from 100 countries participated in the Imagine Cup which Microsoft say is like a “software development Olympics”.

The theme for the Software Design Invitational this year is “imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all” and, picking up this theme, the Digital Photography Competition encourages photographers to use Microsoft’s tools and technology to unleash their ideas and communicate a story about education using only photos as the communication medium.

To enter the competition, entrants will be required to submit a photo essay of up to ten images.

The deadline for first round submissions is 11 May 2007.

Following a review of all the entries, six teams will be selected on June 8th 2007 to fly out to Seoul, Korea to compete in the International Final to battle for a share of the $15,000 total prize fund.

Microsoft has said that the judging panel will consist of notable, industry figures and academics as well as this year’s sponsors BT, Capgemini and HP.

The team who finishes in third place will collect $3000, second place runners-up will celebrate with $4000 and the overall winners of the Photography competition will get $8000.

Related links:

• Link - Imagine Cup

Tags: Compact cameras photography events Microsoft Competitions

Imagine Cup 2007 calls student photographers to represent the UK originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:22:27 +0000

Bonusprint has launched a guide to digital photography to help people get the most out of their digital cameras.

The free guide, available from its website, aims to give those new to the area hints and tips on getting up and running quickly and covers everything from framing pictures to using memory space correctly.

It's all fairly straightforward stuff, but for those not in the know and just discovering digital over traditional film its sure to be very helpful.

Bonusprint¹s guide to making the most of your digital camera:

1. Practice makes perfect - the beauty of digital photography is that you can take lots of photos to get the right shot. Don¹t be afraid to try the same picture in a number of different ways - there is no waste because you only need to print the images that you like.

2. Experiment with your camera ­- digital cameras and even camera phones now come packed with features and it's very tempting just to use one setting for all of your pictures. Try using different settings, such as sepia for an aged effect, night mode to create mystery and bright light for warmth, or turn the flash on or off to see what mode suits different conditions and environments.

3. Framing -­ Be aware of the shapes in your image and use them to create a frame or direct the viewer to the subject (for example, a diagonal road or fence can lead the eye to the picture¹s focus). You can also look to edit or crop the photo after you have finished to maximise the effect and get precisely the image you are looking for

4. Memory space ­- While digital cameras and camera phones do have space to store digital images, the memory stick is not infinite. Make sure you download and print your pictures, so that you always have space on your camera and don¹t miss any opportunities.

5. Share the delight -­ When you have taken pictures you are pleased with don't just keep them to yourself on your camera or computer, there are plenty of ways you can share them. Why not set up an online album like the one available at www.bonusprint.co.uk/webalbum? This gives you the option to add captions and send a secure link to those you'd like to view the images. They can also order copies of the prints directly so you don't need to worry about printing for everyone.

6. Be creative -­ there are so many different ways that you can enjoy your pictures, why not get your image printed onto a canvas print to hang on the wall or record a holiday or wedding in a photo book? There are lots of different ideas including calendars, mugs, jigsaws, and greetings cards and all of them can be personalised with your own picture and messages to produce something unique for you.

7. Have it to hand ­- Now you have a new gadget to play with, make sure you use it. Don't let it sit in your cupboard for the next year, take it out with you and have it to hand so you can be spontaneous to keep your memories alive and share your experiences with friends and family.

Related links:

• Link - Bonusprint

Tags: Compact cameras Guides Bonusprint

Bonusprint launches digital photography guide originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:00:58 +0000

Epson has announced that it is launching A3+ and A2 Enhanced Matte Poster Board sheets ideal for storefront graphics and point of purchase (POP) displays.

Photographers, artists agencies and POP print shops have the benefit of a flat matte surface combined with the rigidity of a mounted print at 1.3mm thick.

Developed exclusively to work in conjunction with Epson UltraChrome K3 printers it produces non-gloss images with high-colour gamut, excellent highlight and shadow detail. It is available in A3+ and A2 packs.

The Enhanced Matte Poster Board is 850gsm and can be printed on both sides. It features two layers which are produced from Elementary Chlorine Free (ECF) paper and a further two layers which carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label. The FSC label allows consumers to recognize products that support the growth of responsible forest management worldwide.

The A3 boards will cost £39.19 while the A2 cost £60.14. Epson also offers the boards in a 24 x 30in and 30 x 40in size. They cost £64.01 each.

Tags: Printers Printer paper Epson

Epson launches Enhanced Matte Poster Board in A3+ and A2 originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:29:35 +0000

Sony has announced that it is to start making CompactFlash memory cards even though up until now the company has always insisted that its Memory Stick format will be the main format used it is consumer electronic products.

The first product line-up, to be announced shortly, is designed to handle the demanding speed and performance requirements of digital SLR cameras and is available with up to 4GB of storage capacity for the most demanding user.

“High end digital camera enthusiasts, from consumers to professional photographers, have a huge and growing demand for storage capacity”, said Renaud Isnard from Sony Europe’s Network Media division. “With the addition of CompactFlash cards to its product range Sony widens the choice for users of DSLR cameras, such as the new Sony alpha 100 model, that are looking for fast and reliable recording media from a leading brand.”

Last year Sony's alpha 100 10-megapixel DSLR camera co-developed with Konica Minolta was the first digital camera from the company to accept non-Memory Stick cards.

At the time, the company supplied the camera with a CF adapter so users could see predominately use Sony’s Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/MagicGate card.

The initial line-up will include CompactFlash Type I cards with 66x and 133x transfer speeds and capacities between 1GB and 4GB.

The products will be branded as part of Sony’s alpha 100 D-SLR camera system.

Tags: Accessories Memory cards Sony Bluetooth CES 2007

Sony to make and sell CompactFlash memory originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 01:44:19 +0000

Our sister site Gamesdog.co.uk is reporting that Ubisoft has announced that its to launch a video game based on the new Rocky Balboa film starting Sylvester Stallone.

The new game, which will be available on the PSP on 26 January, will allow gamers to relive the fights from the new film as well as old fights from previous movies including Apollo and Drago from Rocky 4.

“Ubisoft’s previous Rocky-themed video games have been hugely popular and we are really excited to be working closely with MGM on Rocky Balboa”, said John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director at Ubisoft.

Rocky Balboa is the latest story in the saga of one of Hollywood’s most beloved characters, Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa.

Tags: Gaming PSP Sports games Ubisoft

Rocky Balboa coming to the PSP originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:36:27 +0000

While the powers that be spend their time trying to figure out ways of getting motorists out of their cars and on to public transport, it appears it's the cost of petrol that's really putting a bee in the car bonnet of UK drivers.

Motorists are now more concerned about the cost of petrol than any other issue currently affecting our roads, according to a new Yahoo! Cars study. In a poll of more than 1500 drivers, half said the threat of rising fuel prices was their overriding worry. Rising insurance premiums, car tax rises, speed limit reductions and motorway tolls and parking restrictions each polled only under 6%.

Perhaps surprisingly - especially for Londoners and other urban dwellers threatened by such a scheme - congestion charging was the bottom answer, with just 3% of respondents feeling it was the issue that concerned them most. Speed cameras (15%) and the worsening state of British roads (9%) were the only other issues which caused significant concern for drivers.

Despite petrol price cuts announced by leading supermarket chains and the end of the peak petrol usage season in the United States, a litre of unleaded is still on average around 95p and diesel at 97p, following increased Middle East tension and petrol pipeline problems in Alaska.

Yahoo! Cars spokesperson Hazel Checkley said: “Many British people are heavily dependent on their vehicles - from the school run mum to the delivery driver - and it’s not always easy to cut down on your mileage, but the increases in petrol prices do seem to be encouraging consumers to search for more economical alternatives".

"At the same time, rising consumer demand means more manufacturers are also introducing greener alternatives. Over the last year, we have seen a significant increase in both searches for more eco-friendly cars and a greater range of these cars on the market.”

Tags: Car And GPS Cars

Motorists more concerned about petrol prices than anything else originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:27:02 +0100

Scooby Doo's Mystery Machine has been voted as the best fictional car of all time, in a new survey.

The children's cartoon was first launched on TV back in 1969 on CBS, and has been remade several times, most recently as a film starring Sarah Michelle Geller and Freddie Prinze Junior in 2002.

Fans across the world have copied the Mystery Machine by driving around in Chevrolet Sportsvans, painted blue and green and covered in flowers.

The poll of 3000 people was conducted by Toys R Us in conjunction with the launch of Disney Pixar's new movie Cars.

It revealed that Herbie, the number 53 love bug, takes second place as the most memorable fictional car.

The Beetle, which has a life of its own, has appeared in five movies to date, including Herbie Rides Again (1974), Herbie Goes Bananas (1980), and the most recent box office hit, Herbie Fully Loaded (2005).

Third place in the poll goes to comic book superhero Batman's Batmobile - the original 1966 model began life as a Lincoln Futura concept car.

TOP 20 BEST FICTIONAL CARS OF ALL TIME

1. Scooby Doo's Mystery Machine
2. Herbie
3. The Batmobile
4. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
5. Harry Potter's Flying Car
6. The A Team Van
7. Fred Flintstone's Car
8. Austin Powers 'Shaguar'
9. Dick Dastardly's Mean Machine
10. Kitt - in Knightrider
11. The Delorean - Back to the Future
12. The Italian Job Minis
13. James Bond's Aston Martin
14. Penelope Pitstop's pink car
15. Del Boy Trotter's Reliant Van
16. General Lee - the Dodge Charger in The Dukes of Hazard
17. The Pink Panther car
18. Thunderbirds Fab 1
19. Starsky and Hutch Ford Gran Torino
20. The Grease Lightening Car

Tags: Car And GPS Surveys Toys R Us

Scooby Doo Mystery Machine voted best fictional car of all time originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 13:45:39 +0100

The $100 laptop project, One Laptop Per Child, is claiming that four developing countries have ordered 4 million laptops (one million each).

A spokesperson for the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) programme revealed that Nigeria, Brazil, Argentina and Thailand have all tendered commitments to purchase one million Linux laptops.

The Linux-based laptops come with their own power sources (including wind-up) and offer a dual-mode display, which gives users a full-colour, transmissive DVD mode and a secondary black and white reflective and sunlight-readable display.

The computers operate at 500 MHz, about half the processor speed of commercial laptops, and will run on Linux rather than Microsoft's or Apple's operating systems as previously hoped by the two companies.

MIT plans to have units ready for shipment by the end of 2006 or early-2007. Manufacturing will begin when 5 to 10 million machines have been ordered and paid for in advance.

However not everybody is keen on the new cheap alternative. India has recently expressed concerns over the untested technology.

Earlier this year, Bill Gates rubbished the MIT $100 laptop saying:
“The last thing you want to do for a shared-use computer is have it be something without a disk ... and with a tiny little screen”.

Tags: Hardware Laptops OLPC Intel

One Laptop Per Child announces 4 million pre-orders originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 13:03:07 +0100

A new survey by Logitech has found that almost half of us spend more time with our computer mouse than our partner or pet.

In a survey of just over 2000 people, 41% say they spend over 5 hours on an average day in the company of a computer mouse. Furthermore, 6% of us spend over 10 hours a day with our mouse, at home or at work.

Compared to spending time with partners or pets, only 32% of us spend more than 5 hours a day with a partner and only 15% over 5 hours with a pet.

However in an effort to get people to spend more money on the peripheral, Logitech say that although 25% of people are happy to spend more than £1000 a year on their loved ones, 80% of mice get less than £10 worth of accessories, treats, and repairs a year.

Common complaints include leads getting in the way and mouse balls needing to be cleaned. The company's recommendation? To invest in a cordless laser mouse of course.

Related links:

• Logitech - Official website of Logitech

Tags: Hardware Mice And Keyboards Logitech Bluetooth Jela USB gadgets

Survey finds people spending more time with mouse than partner originally appeared on Pocket-lint on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:51:04 +0100