At a pre-Computex 2010 event, MSI unveiled its new “Sketchbook” prototype to attendees. The MSI Sketchbook is a lightweight, ultra portable notebook with a few unique design elements that may surprise notebook users.

The first is a keyboard that can swivel around to reveal multi-function input tablet.  The tablet will feature multiple levels of pressure sensitivity for handwriting recognition and artistic endeavors.

Instead of the traditional position under the keyboard, the touchpad is located in the upper right hand corner of the keyboard deck.  It is circular instead of rectangular, like on most notebooks. MSI’s  idea is to make it easy to operate the notebook when holding it on one hand.  It will also stop users from accidently moving their cursors while typing.

MSI is not releasing any technical specifications on the device at this time.

via Notebook Review

MSI “Sketchbook” prototype unveiled is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

Many laptop users today tend to place their laptops, well, on their lap.  Maybe that is where the name laptop came from? Tthe longer a laptop is used, the hotter the bottom tends to get.  Some laptops can get so hot that that they can cause serious discomfort or even burn marks.

Many laptop accessory manufacturers have been trying to find something to help out laptop users.  There are cooling fans and laptop holders, etc.  And then, there is the issue with if you want to travel with one of these accessories.  It’s not always a pretty picture at the TSA line when its time to check your laptop bag, etc.  So what if someone made a laptop support stand that was easy to travel with and helped combat the heat?  Enter the Laptop Lilo.

The Laptop Lilo is made from non-slip PVC, a heat resistant material, that can withstand temperatures of up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It holds laptops with up to 17-inch displays and can fully inflate in two minutes.  It comes with a travel pouch for easy carry and storage.

The Laptop Lilo is available now for only $17 and maybe the solution to laptop heat burns and travel woes.

Laptop Lilo: Laptop Comfort for Your Lap is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

Asus announced that it will be shipping two new notebooks later in 2010 that will incorporate the new SiBeam WirelessHD technology. The Asus G73JW and the Asus G53 will be amongst the first notebooks to feature the technology.

WirelessHD allows devices to transmit uncompressed HD video, audio and data signals wirelessly. It can replace HDMI cables and reducing clutter, making it easier to display content on users’ HDTVs. The signal operates at 60GHz, an extremely high frequency that can handle both current and future HD signals.

SiBeam’s 60-GHz technology will be placed on display mini-card modules inside ASUS notebooks. The ASUS G73JW and G53 will be capable of transferring 1080p video at 60 frames per second.

The SiBeam implementation of WirelessHD is different than the Intel WiDi technology that was introduced at CES 2010.  The Intel WiDi technology uses 802.11n and is also only currently only capable of streaming 720p video.

“Asus has a long-standing history of listening to customers and then identifying technology to meet those needs,” said P.C. Wang, general manager of the ASUS Notebook Business Unit. “Having considered the needs of our customers, it’s clear that there is a compelling proposition for connecting a notebook PC to a high definition display for gaming and entertainment. Given that consumers are increasingly using Asus PCs for entertainment applications, connectivity to a wireless display becomes valuable. Having evaluated the range of wireless display options available, the WirelessHD solution and wireless chips from SiBEAM were most appealing to Asus.”

New Asus Notebooks with WirelessHD Shipping Soon is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

At Computex 2010, Sundar Pichai, head of the Google Chrome project, has announced that they expect the first Google Chrome OS netbooks to launch late this fall.

In an article at Reuters, when asked about the release of Chrome on netbooks, Pichai said:

“We will be selective on how we come to market because we want to deliver a great user experience,” he said. “We’re thinking on both the hardware and software levels.”

When asked about the Microsoft claim of having to rewrite applications so they can be used on Chrome instead of being open source, Pichai said:

“Chrome OS is one of the few future operating systems for which there are already millions of applications that work,” Pichai said. “You don’t need to redesign Gmail for it to work on Chrome. Facebook does not need to write a new app for Chrome.”

So what is Google Chrome OS all about?  Here is a video created by Google to tell us again what to expect with this new operating system:

The Google Chrome operating system is greatly anticipated by both consumers and businesses alike.  Will this take over from Microsoft?  Will it do everything it its promising to do?  Will it be adopted by consumers?  Will hardware vendors build new systems (laptops, netbooks, etc)to take advantage of the new operating system?  Right now, there are more questions than answers.

Google Chrome OS coming late 2010 is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

MeeGo, the new operating system created from the merging of Nokia Maemo and Intel Moblin, is at its first release, MeeGo 1.0.

From the press release:

MeeGo v1.0 is available for download at MeeGo.com to the developer community. MeeGo v1.0 delivers a wealth of Internet, computing and communication features with rich graphics, multi-tasking capabilities and Google Chrome browser integration. This release delivers on MeeGo’s commitment to combine the best core architecture features of Nokia’s Maemo and Intel’s Moblinâ„¢ projects. Manufacturers and operating system vendors can use this release to create and customize netbooks or begin work on development for other devices including netbooks and entry-level desktops, smartphones, in-vehicle infotainment devices, connected TVs, media phones and more.

What is included in MeeGo 1.0?

According to their web site:

• Visually rich Netbook user experience, building on the latest open source technologies.
• Instant access to your synchronized calendar, tasks, appointments, recently used files and real-time social networking updates through the home screen.
• Aggregation of your social networking content. This allows you to see your social networking activities on one screen, easily interact with your friends, and update your status and site information.
• For a fast and rich Internet experience the MeeGo Netbook user experience integrates Google Chrome or, if you prefer a fully open source browser solution, Google Chromium is also provided. Soon we will be releasing the MeeGo Handset user experience which will use the Fennec Mozilla Browser.
• Easy to use applications for email, calendar and media player.
• Highly optimized for power and performance.
• Languages: Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Swedish, Polish, Finnish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, English, British English

New releases are planned on a six month intervals. MeeGo v1.1 will be released in October and it will include support for touch-based devices, such as handsets, tablets, and in-vehicle “Infotainment” systems.

MeeGo is an operating system to keep an eye on. It may give the new Google Chrome OS a run for its money, but it will all depend on how many users, and device manufacturers, pick up on MeeGo.

MeeGo v1.0 for Netbooks ready for developers is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

Ok, we usually dont see very many funny technical ads, except during the Super Bowl.  Those are the ones we want to remember.  Then again, sometimes, we wish we could forget.  Madison Avenue tends to forget that even if the ad is aimed at a technical person, not all techs are “geeks”.  We like normal stuff too.

Well, the folks over at IT World were pondering the funny technical ads of days gone by and put together a collection of 15 vintage tech ads.  I remember all of these when they came out, and they did make me laugh out loud (yes, I spelled it out).  And, they made me remember the product.  I mean, who can forget Apple’s 1984 ad?  Ok, so it wasnt funny, but it was memorable.

So, here are some funny looks at tech ads of the past.  These are just my favorites, the entire list is over at IT World. But after all of this, I feel OLD:

Friday Funnies- Vintage Tech Ads is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

Just when Apple thought they could do no wrong, the bottom drops out.  Right after Steve Jobs announced this week that they have sold one million iPads in one month, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are trying to decide which agency will begin an anti-trust inquiry into Apple’s new policy of requiring software developers who devise applications for devices such as the iPhone and iPad to use only Apple’s programming tools.

According to the New York Post:

Regulators, this person said, are days away from making a decision about which agency will launch the inquiry. It will focus on whether the policy, which took effect last month, kills competition by forcing programmers to choose between developing apps that can run only on Apple gizmos or come up with apps that are platform neutral, and can be used on a variety of operating systems, such as those from rivals Google, Microsoft and Research In Motion.

An inquiry doesn’t necessarily mean action will be taken against Apple, which argues the rule is in place to ensure the quality of the apps it sells to customers. Typically, regulators initiate inquiries to determine whether a full-fledged investigation ought to be launched. If the inquiry escalates to an investigation, the agency handling the matter would issue Apple a subpoena seeking information about the policy.

Officials at both the Justice Department and FTC declined comment. Apple did not return calls seeking comment.

It looks like all that business between Apple and Adobe (the whole Adobe Flash issue)  has finally taken its toll and now the government wants to get involved.  Maybe they just dont like the fact that Apple is a success?

But seriously, this is not the first time an anti-trust inquiry has been leveraged against Apple.  Two years ago, there was a dispute between Apple and Microsoft over Apple illegally maintaining a monopoly in the music format industry by not supporting Microsoft’s Windows Media format.  As far as we know, nothing ever came of that suit.  Companies like Apple are always a target for anti-trust.  Look at Microsoft and Google.  How many times have they had suits filed, only to be either dismissed or settled later?

We’ll all be watching this one to see what happens next.

Apple in anti-trust investigation? is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

The HP ProBook 6450B has been updated today as part of HP’s Spring notebook refresh that included many updates to the ProBook lines. In addition to powerful Intel processors the HP ProBook 6450B includes some very useful HP software that allows users to gain access to important PIM information without fully booting into Windows.

This new notebook comes with an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor, a 14.0-inch diagonal 16:9 HD, LED backlit display, and a choice of UMA or high performance discrete graphics powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon GPU.

HP also includes some of its HP Professional Innovations software such as HP Protect Tools (for security), HP QuickLook to provide almost instant access to e-mail, calendar, task and contact information, without having to boot up the notebook and HP QuickWeb for quick access to the web.

On top of these convenient features the ProBook 6450B includes a magnesium alloy support structure to provide a durable notebook and HP DuraFinish to prevent the keys from wearing quickly. Additionally the 6450B has hard drive protection to lock the drive in case of a fall and a spill resistant keyboard that drains out small amounts of liquid to prevent damage to the notebook. These features combine to offer compelling value and durability for business users. For mobile users HP also includes the HP Power Assistant which conserves power and helps stretch battery life.

The HP ProBook 6450B will be available in June starting at a price yet to be determined.

Here are the detailed specifications for the HP ProBook 6450B:

HP ProBook 6450B: Fast Access to the Info Business Users Need is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

As part of a major refresh, the HP ProBook 6555B was upgraded today to provide a compelling value and usability for business users. In keeping with the ProBook B line HP has added many software extras to the 6555B to benefit business users and offers several AMD processor options for affordable power.

The HP ProBook 6455B is powered by AMD VISION technology and will ship with a choice of the new AMD processors (Phenom II Quad, Triple, or Dual Core, a Turion Dual Core or Athlon Dual Core) as well as UMA graphics support. It has a 15.6-inch diagonal16:9 HD LED-backlit display that is great for working on documents, presenting or relaxing on the road.

Like the rest of the ProBook B series, the HP ProBook 6555B comes with HP Professional Innovations software installed. This software includes: HP Protect Tools (for security), HP QuickLook to provide offline access to e-mail, calendar, task and contact information at the touch of a button, without having to boot up the notebook and HP QuickWeb for quick access to the web.

The ProBook 6555B also features Durafinish on the keys for a longer life and a magnesium alloy support structure for enhanced durability. Adding to the robust nature of this business class notebook, the 6555B includes a hard drive protection to lock the drive in case of falls and a spill resistant keyboard that sends small amounts of liquid out drains in the bottom of the keyboard to keep the notebook running. Finally, the HP Power Assistant provides an easy way for user to manage their power use and extend battery life.

The HP ProBook 6555B starts at $779 and will be available in June.

Here are the detailed specifications for the HP ProBook 6555B:

HP ProBook 6555B Offers AMD Phenom and Business Class Software is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

HP has refreshed the HP ProBook 6550B business class notebook with many business friendly features and powerful Intel processors. This notebook is a good fit for business class users who want a durable notebook that can handle power hungry tasks.

The HP ProBook 6550B is very similar to its slightly smaller brother, the 6450B. The big difference between these two is that the 6550B comes with a 15.6-inch diagonal 16:9 HD LED backlit display and a choice of UMA graphics solution or a high performance discrete GPU powered by ATI Mobility. The extra screen space on the ProBook 6550B will come in handy for business users who need to compare documents or spreadsheets on a regular basis.

Like 14″ ProBook 6450B, HP has included some of its HP Professional Innovations software. The ProBook 6550B includes HP Protect Tools (for security), HP QuickLook to provide off-line access to e-mail, calendar, task and contact information at the touch of a button without having to boot up the notebook and HP QuickWeb for quick access to the web.

Like the rest of the ProBook B series, the HP ProBook 6550B has the new HP DuraFinish structure and a magnesium alloy support structure to provide extra durability for mobile use. The 6550B is also equipped with HP 3D DriveGuard and a spill resistant keyboard that can protect the notebook from small spills. The ProBook also comes with HP Power Assistant software to conserve power and stretch battery life on the go.

The HP ProBook 6550B will be available in June along with the 6440B and will start at $859.

Here are the detailed specifications for the HP ProBook 6550B:

HP ProBook 6550B: Durable, Powerful Business Notebook is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.