Palm’s Facelift called the “Pre”

Announced today at CES 2009, Palm’s latest smartphone called the “Pre” is the antidote for the struggling company.  The Pre features a new Web OS, 8GB internal storage, Wi-Fi and EVDO support, and a QWERTY keyboard rolled into a sleek 4.3 ounce package. Palm Pre has a touchscreen not just on the main display area but also extends to the center button at the bottom of the phone to an area called the gesture zone. The Pre also comes with a removable battery. The new phone will be available on the Sprint network “as soon as possible” after passing regulations.

Pricing has not been announced at this point.

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]

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!

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]

PlayStation Eye

Far from a Toy, Sony’s web cam for the PS3, has a laundry list of new features:

• Noise-canceling microphone to filter out background noise
• It can capture video direct to the hard drive
• Faster frame rate than its predecessor (800×600: 60fps, 320×240: 120fps)
• EyeCreate™ editing software, which allows users to save and edit photos, video and audio clips
• 4 channel audio input

The design is catchy, but it reminds me of my electric shaver though….

ObjectDock 1.9 Now Released – Free Download!

Stardock just wrapped up their latest version of the popular ObjectDock software. Get it while its hot!

From Stardock’s website:

“ObjectDock™ is a program that enables users to organize their shortcuts, programs and running tasks into an attractive and fun animated Dock. By allowing users to have more control over how they organize their desktop, users can take control of their desktop icons and shortcuts to have them be available when where and how they need them. This, all with the unique style and top-rate performance that ObjectDock is known to deliver!”

[Link]

Wii KiiBoard?

Following in the footsteps of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Controller/Keyboard combo, Nintendo may have plans for a keyboard to make web browsing and text entry easier. The peripheral is rumored to be provided by Logitech.

Other details have yet to surface such as: will it attach to the Wii Remote?, wired or wireless?, Or even motion-sensing?

Lets not hope for the later lest we have even larger cracks in our overly-priced television sets.

[Link]

Program names govern Vista security

If a program is titled installer.exe Vista will require administrator rights to execute the program. If you rename the same file anything.exe, the program will run without require admin elevation. The problem is, virus makers can use any word other than installer for an application (or virus) they can run without any security checks by the OS.

[Link]