Preview: Google Cr-48 Chrome notebook

Google today unveiled the Cr-48, the first notebook based on the Chrome operating system.

The 3.8-pound ultraportable has a 12-inch display, full-size keyboard without function keys and with a search key instead of caps-lock, an oversized trackpad, Flash memory-based storage, Wi-Fi and 3G connections, a web cam, USB port, and VGA output. There’s no info on processor and RAM.

According to Google, the Cr-48 boots in about 10 seconds and resumes from sleep mode instantly. It provides a battery life of “over eight hours of active usage and a week of standby time”.

Chrome OS notebooks for the mass market are expected to be available in the middle of this year.

More Information to come soon

[Link]

Review: Zone Wireless Gaming

The zone wireless gaming system is a cheap Wii knockoff, However it’s still lots of fun.

The unit contains 6 built-in games (boxing, tennis, golf, baseball, table tennis, and bowling). These games are represented with 16-bit graphics. The motion-sensitive wireless controllers do a pretty good job, but lag is an issue. In some of the games movement feels unnatural, (as in bowling) such as holding your arm at the top of your swing to choose power.

All in all this will never be confused with a Wii, but I quite enjoy it.

Rated: 3.5/5

First Look: Google Chrome

Fresh off the workstation is Google Chrome, a new web browser that proves to be really fast and light on the memory foot print. Some plugins give problems, Youtube/Adobe Flash crashed on the first startup, but reloading the page fixed that problem. The interface is very minimal, while offering features found in other browsers.

Remember this is still in beta, though and bugs still have to be ironed out.

[Link]

Review: Creative ZEN Stone 1GB

Creative’s teeny-tiny MP3 player takes shots at Apple’s Shuffle, we find out how it fares.

At nearly half the price of the iPod Shuffle, you’d think the ZEN Stone would lack in the sound department, on the contrary the sound is superb, with even a bit more bass the the more expensive Shuffle. The design of the Stone reminds one of a well-worn river rock, abit with high gloss that captures your fingerprints.

The ZEN Stone lacks a screen but the simple controls are very intuitive to use. We love the standard mini-USB port on the player, should we lose the too short included cable we can pick up a replacement at our local store. It also comes in many colors: black, white, blue, pink, red, or yellow.

The built in battery lasted 8.5 hours of continuous playback, and charges when connected to a computer. The lack of a Shuffle-like clip is a downer, forcing you to keep it confined to a pocket or purse.

Overall this makes for a great beginning MP3 player – with no frills.

Rated: 8/10

Spread Firefox – Download Day

Help spread Firefox! The Mozilla Foundation is going to try and set a Guinness World Record for the most software downloaded in 24 hours when Firefox 3 launches. Pledge your support at their website by adding your e-mail to the list. They will notify you when its time. For more details visit their site.

[Link]

Nintendo Wii flowing into local stores

Nintendo has ramped up production of the Wii and the must-have system is now appearing in stores. This reporter has even seen a full stock at the local Wal-Mart. Now is a good time to buy and those economic stimulus payments are going to come in handy.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release to Web (RTW) Delayed

According to Microsoft:

“In the last few days, we have uncovered a compatibility issue between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and both Windows XP SP3 and WindowsVista Service Pack 1 (SP1). In order to make sure customers have the best possible experience, we have decided to delay releasing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) to the web. To help protect customers, we plan to put filtering in place shortly to prevent Windows Update from offering both service packs to systems running Microsoft Dynamics RMS. Once filtering is in place, we expect to release Windows XP SP3 to the web.”

EDIT: Service Pack 3 is now available on the Windows Update System!

Valve considering music/video for Steam?

Valve’s Marketing VP Doug Lombardi commented about adding other content to the Steam service:

“We’re looking at more casual games and international games. And we’re also looking at other types of content like video and music. We’re definitely having those conversations and meetings, and we’re reaching out to folks with other types of digital entertainment.“

He’s hinting at starting something by year’s end.

[Link]

Everex announces gPC mini

Everex, the company behind the $200 Wal-Mart computer, announces the $499 gPC mini. Specc’ed with a 1.83ghz T2130 processor, 120GB hard drive, 512MB Ram, DVD burner, and Intel GMA950 graphics. Wired for connectivity with gigabit Ethernet, 4x USB ports, card reader and FireWire. Using gOS as the operating system, this would make a great web-surfing PC. Available March 1st on NewEgg.

[Link]

Best Buy still using fake website

Even with the threat of a lawsuit from the Connecticut Attorney General’s office, Best Buy continues to operate a in-store website to “bait-and-switch” customers into paying higher prices than what they saw online. According to Best Buy the in-store kiosks reference the local market value of the item and may vary. To avoid being duped order the item online and have it sent to the store.

[Link]