device

A British organization has produced what appears to be the cheapest fully-functional computer ever made. The device, made by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, is the size of a USB stick and costs just $25. The computer, which runs the open source Linux ... system, has a particularly creative design. In effect it's a silicon chip attached to three sockets: an HDMI socket to connect to a monitor or TV screen, a USB slot to plug in a keyboard, and a memory card slot for storage. While it's small enough to carry anywhere, it carries out the same functions as a full-fledged desktop PC. $25 Pocket PC ... (view more)

Google is reportedly testing a streaming music service. It doesn't necessarily mean a public launch is imminent, however; the company would still have to reach an agreement with record labels, which may be complicated by the nature of the service. ... Google Music wouldn't be a download service in the same way as the iTunes store. Indeed, it's possible it wouldn't necessarily involve buying music at all. Streaming Music Across Devices a Possibility The idea is to provide a legal way for users to stream music from one device to another. While precise details are under wraps, it appears there would ... (view more)

Less than a month before its launch date, we now know a little bit more about the PlayBook tablet from Canadian tech firm Research in Motion (RIM). PlayBook Tablet Similar to Apple's iPad 2 According to recent reports, the device will be smaller ... than Apple's iPad 2 but will come in at a similar entry price: $499. The 7-inch PlayBook, which is set to launch on April 19, actually comes in several versions, each packing a different price point. For instance, the 16GB version ships for $499, the 32GB for $599, and a 64GB version for $699. When it comes to pricing, RIM's device isn't much ... (view more)

Back in late November 2010, Dell released a dual tablet/netbook computer called the Inspiron Duo. Netbook Similar to Apple iPad, but Runs Windows 7 The Inspiron Duo features a vertically rotating screen that switches between two independent modes: ... one that runs Windows 7 and the other a proprietary tablet mode which operates Dell software. At the time of release, the device raised lots of eyebrows -- but its $550 asking price was a bit steep for many. That is, perhaps, until Microsoft recently slashed that cost dramatically on its Microsoft Store website. Inspiron Duo Features Dual Core ... (view more)

One of the world's most prominent PC makers has announced it will release a 10-inch Windows 7 tablet computer later this year. The company, which is currently ranked second in annual global PC shipments, said the device will be for consumers "who ... need greater mobility, as well as IT organizations that demand control, security, manageability, and integration with existing infrastructure investments." Dell's calling the device, which will use an Intel processor, the Windows 7 Business Tablet. The company says consumers should be able to pick one up sometime this summer, though a precise release ... (view more)

The American Optometrist Association (AOA) says there's no need to worry about children playing the new 3D version of Nintendo's DS console. But Nintendo is sticking by its warnings that very young children should steer clear. Yes, you did read that ... right. Medical experts say it's okay to use the device, while Nintendo says it could be dangerous. As we noted last week, Nintendo officially warned that children aged under six should not use the 3DS , and suggested the device might damage the development of their vision. Now the AOA is reported to have said that the device should be safe for ... (view more)

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held every January is arguably the biggest showcase of the year for mainstream tech products. Next month's CES showcase is scheduled for Las Vegas, and it's rumored that Microsoft's CEO will be unveiling new ... Windows 7 tablet PCs as part of his keynote address. Most interesting is that Microsoft won't be producing any of the tablet hardware, but instead is expected to endorse those made by third-party companies. Slide-Out Keyboard Feature in One Windows 7 Tablet Model According to the New York Times, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will display forthcoming ... (view more)

Electronic reading devices (or E-Readers) such as Amazon's Kindle are not just best-sellers, but also the most-requested items on automated online shopping wish-lists. However, until now it's not been possible to buy electronic books as a gift. ... Instead, users could only pay for gift vouchers. That's changed with two leading companies offering gifting options for eBooks. The first to launch the feature was Kobo, a Canadian company that originally started as an electronic books retail website, but later launched its own portable reading devices, stocked in stores such as Borders and Indigo / ... (view more)

Two weeks ago Apple unveiled an 11.6-inch MacBook Air for under $999 . The news attracted plenty of attention, but early reviews of the device have not been particularly positive, with critics citing generally underwhelming performance as a reason ... to pass on Apple's first foray into the sub-$1,000 laptop market. Techies will remember that it's been over two years now since the first MacBook Air shipped to retailers. In a way, it was an attempt by Apple to provide an ultra-premium, ultra-portable device for the growing netbook market. Like most netbooks, the MacBook was lightweight, somewhat ... (view more)

In what is being described as a freak and somewhat ironic incident, British boss of Segway Inc. has been killed while piloting one of his company's own devices. Sixty-two-year-old Jimi Heselden reportedly took the device on an off-road stroll and ... was later found in a West Yorkshire river. Segway Used by Google A Segway is a high tech two-wheeled motorized vehicle and is powered by batteries and stabilized by gyroscopes. The Segway is viewed by many tech enthusiasts as one of the most recognizable gadgets in the technology world and is even used by big name brands such as Google at their ... (view more)