|
|
|
|
News Week of May 14, 2006TABLET PCs In the Classroom Samsung Q1 Review Bill Gates advises CEOs: Software puts information to work for people Remarks by Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Microsoft Corporation "We've actually used this CEO Summit to try out lots of new things. Some of those, like some of the real-time meeting so that got shown here first, has gone to be very, very popular, some like the Tablet are on its way to becoming popular, but clearly a phenomena that is not as mainstream yet as we expect it will be, some evolution still to go there." "Tablet I mentioned, we're very committed to drive that to critical mass. The new release of Windows that comes out later this year is a big advance there, in terms of the quality of the hardware and software. One of the big things we do with the recognition is we look at all the documents you have to understand the names of people, and products, and things that you typically use. So that's just one thing where we've been able to take the recognizer and move it to a new level." (Source: Finfacts Team, Finfacts) Invisible aspects add value to kitchens IT has a place in the Origami fold You're not going to be able to pigeonhole the applicability of Origami for your users. Road warriors are probably going to need a full-size laptop with its big screen and standard keyboard; Origami just won't fill the bill for them. But for other users it might make sense to skip buying a high-end laptop and instead opt for a more powerful desktop as well as an Origami for managing e-mail and accessing Office documents on the road. I'm not saying that the first UMPC devices coming to market are perfect. Battery life needs improvement. The devices could be smaller, and they could also use cheap 3G products for connectivity, as well as higher storage capacities. Those are things that can be worked out over time, as the devices' makers ride the technology curve toward greater utility. But already, Origami devices are something that IT needs to take a closer look at. The key is to view this technology the way you would any new platform rather than to assess the value of a particular machine today. (Source: Michael Gartenberg, ComputerWorld) First impressions: Sony's UX50 ultracompact PC Because I had only a few minutes with the UX50 I wasn't able to test other features, although some of the more notable include a fingerprint sensor, built-in camera (just above the main display so you can video conference) and Bluetooth wireless. Sony is selling a companion Bluetooth GPS (global positioning system) receiver that feeds global positioning data to the PC. It's difficult to hold the UX50 in your hands and not be impressed about the amount of technology crammed into it. It compares favorably with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s Q1 ultra mobile PC, which is based on the recently-launched Origami platform, and will definitely draw looks when you use it in public. At Tuesday's launch Sony said there's also a second version on the way. This will use flash memory in place of a hard-disk drive so it's likely to be a little lighter and more expensive. That should launch in the middle of this year. (Source: Martyn Williams, Infoworld) New DyKnow Software Offers Educators Distance Learning Tools INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - May 16, 2006 - DyKnow, a leader in interactive education technology, releases version 4.2 of its DyKnow Vision and DyKnow Monitor software to provide enhanced collaboration and distance learning support for teachers and students. Some of the software�s most notable new features include Chat, Live Streaming Audio, Participant Status and integration with the ANGEL Learning Management Suite. DyKnow Vision allows educators to transmit lesson notes directly to students� computers. The notes appear instantly on the screen, regardless of where the students are located. Students no longer have to struggle to copy the teacher�s lecture word-for-word; they can simply add their individual notes to create a personalized electronic notebook. DyKnow Monitor gives teachers the ability to monitor and control student computers during class. �Our users indicate that DyKnow software is easy to use in the traditional classroom,� said Dan Sanders, chief technology officer for DyKnow. �However, we wanted to enhance DyKnow Vision with chat and audio functionality to keep the class connected in blended and distance environments, too.� Chat gives DyKnow Vision more flexibility and power as an efficient and effective collaboration tool � even at a distance. This feature allows real-time, moderated messaging among the teacher and students during class. The teacher controls who is allowed to message, and all messages are saved in the teacher�s DyKnow notebook. Live Streaming Audio makes distance education accessible. Teachers use a standard microphone to speak through their computer to class participants in real time. Whether a student is miles away from the teacher or absent from school, live streaming audio allows him to hear the lesson as he follows along in his DyKnow notebook. DyKnow 4.2�s Participant Status gives teachers an easy way to receive important information about how students perceive their understanding of class material. The feature allows students to select how comfortable they are with the class pace by selecting �I understand well,� �I understand a little� or �I do not understand,� giving educators a real-time assessment of students� perceived understanding. Version 4.2 takes a significant leap in system management and moves toward tighter integration with other applications by introducing ANGEL (LMS) Integration. The integration allows ANGEL Learning Management System users to sign onto DyKnow software using their ANGEL login credentials. Teachers can use their ANGEL courses as class folders in DyKnow Vision and DyKnow Monitor, eliminating the need to create class folders in the DyKnow client. Class rosters associated with those courses are also transported to DyKnow Vision. Additional features in the release include time saving tools such as Attendance Tool to automatically indicate student presence; Notebook Writer , a virtual printer; Bulk Import Utility, a feature that imports multiple users, classes and class rosters all at once; Tablet PC Pen Eraser Integration, an eraser on the end of the PC Pen that erases ink on DyKnow panels; and an MSI installer, a pre-configurable installation file for administrators. Version 4.2 of the DyKnow client software is freely available for immediate download at www.dyknow.com/download. It works on computers running Microsoft Windows XP and Tablet XP Edition or equivalent emulator with 256 MB RAM and a wired or wireless Internet connection. Corresponding server software for Vision and Monitor runs on Microsoft Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server and can be hosted or in-house. For more information about DyKnow products, visit www.dyknow.com or call (888) 839-5669. (Source: Press Release) Active Ink Software Releases v5.0 of their Form Design Software for the Tablet PC Active Ink Software is releasing a new version of the form design software for the Tablet PC. Laguna Niguel, CA (PRWEB) May 16, 2006 -- Active Ink Software has released version 5.0 of their Form Design software for the Tablet PC. This new version adds several new features that will make filling out a form and sharing it with others much easier. Product Features: Expanded Writing Area � The writing area on the form will expand to accommodate the amount of space required to fill out the form. Search Capability � Records can be searched for by entering a �keyword� in ink or text. Recognition Context � Handwriting recognition results can be improved by setting a recognition factoid when defining a field. Pen Gesture Support � Check boxes, drop down lists and pop-up windows can be easily invoked using the pen stylus. Digital Signature Authentication � A form can be authenticated to ensure that the data entered has not been altered. PDF File Support � A filled out form can be saved as a PDF document. Document Routing � An Active Ink form can be emailed to others for their review. Access Support � The data entered on a form can be saved and retrieved directly from a Microsoft Access database. Field Validation � Rules can be created that will validate that the data entered is correct. Password Protection � A form can be password protected so that it cannot be accessed. VB Script Support � Microsoft�s VB scripting language is supported for automating certain functions. (Source: Press Release) Acer C200 series Tablet PC review! In this review, I spent a good bit of time with the Acer C200 Tablet PC, doing both hardware videos as well as some Camtasia InkShows of utilities, etc.. I really enjoyed this piece of equipment, it was sturdy, dependable, and unique in a number of ways. Acer has been doing Tablet PC�s since the beginning, and it shows in their products. From the nice internal optical drive to the unique slide up screen, this Tablet PC is well worth taking a good look at. In this review, I went a bit �tongue in cheek�, starting with the best moment of all - opening the box (my favorite part of any technology purchase)! Also included are startup videos, installed utilities demo, and much more. And can you guess which popular Tablet PC character I am impersonating in the beginning of this video? I�ll give you a hint � he wears sunglasses! (Source: Dennis Rice, GottaBeMobile) Ilium Software Announces Support for UMPC "The UMPC is a natural evolution for users seeking a comprehensive mobile experience," stated Marc Tassin, Senior Product Manager for Ilium Software. "We're very excited about the prospects for this new platform." The UMPC, also known as Origami, was officially announced by Microsoft on March 9th, 2006. The first consumer UMPC was released by Samsung on May 1st, 2006. Ilium Software is working directly with Microsoft to bring UMPC compatible versions of their software to the consumer. Ilium Software has a long history of working with Microsoft to bring out software for Microsoft's other mobile platforms, including the Handheld PC, Palm-size PC, and the Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC and Smartphone. Ilium Software has been producing handheld and mobile software since 1997. Several of their titles are mobile platform best-sellers, as well as having won multiple industry awards. The UMPC platform has been the focus of a great deal of speculation and attention in the both the PDA and Windows communities, but the decision by Ilium Software to pursue the UMPC platform may provide an indication of the future direction of the mobile market. "Ilium Software has always produced excellent software for Pocket PCs and Smartphones," said Hal Goldstein, Publisher of Pocket PC and Smartphone Magazine. "I believe that their decision to support the UMPC is an important indicator about the role the UMPC will play in the future mobile-device landscape." Ilium Software plans to announce more details, as well as release dates, over the upcoming months. (Source: Press Release) SONY DELIVERS WORLD�S FIRST FULL-FUNCTION POCKET-SIZED PC New VAIO UX Model Combines Micro-Portable Design with Smooth Functionality SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2006 � Sony Electronics today introduced the VAIO� UX Micro PC, placing full-size computer performance in a pocket-sized package. Weighing just over a pound, the new PC has a Microsoft� XP Professional operating system and an Intel� Core� Solo Ultra Low Voltage CPU for fast processing and long battery life. The UX model also features a 4.5-inch wide SVGA screen with XBRITE� technology for viewing that slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. This allows you to access familiar applications easily in the same way you would on a full-sized computer. The pocket-sized PC also comes equipped with a stylus and Sony�s VAIO touch launcher for quick access to functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, various computer applications, games and music. Just push the launcher button located on the side of the unit. �This model is an achievement in ingenious design,� said Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S. �With this pocket PC, you can have the same functionality as your office or home PC in a device that fits in the palm of your hand.� Keeping travelers connected, the new computer incorporates Sony�s SmartWi� technology, so you can toggle between wireless WWAN, LAN and Bluetooth� technology for convenient access to the Internet and e-mail. WLAN is also available for Wi-Fi connections at home, office or hotspots; Bluetooth � technology for peripherals; or WWAN for access to Cingular�s nationwide EDGE network, which allows you to connect to the Internet virtually anywhere there is cellular coverage. The UX model also incorporates two built-in cameras -- one in front for VoIP communication for on-the-go video conferencing and another located on the back for taking photos. A VGA adapter is included to connect the PC to a projector, making it easy to share presentations and spreadsheets with a group. Security is also a top priority. The VAIO UX PC comes equipped with an integrated biometrics fingerprint sensor, so you do not have to remember passwords. Incorporated G-Sensor� shock protection has been added to protect the unit�s hard drive and reduces the risk of data loss should it be dropped. For added convenience, a docking station with three 2.0 USB ports, Ethernet, VGA, iLink� IEEE-1394 interface and an AV output comes with the unit, making it easy to connect to peripherals like a full-sized keyboard, display and speakers when back in the office or at home. The VAIO UX Micro PC will be available in July for about $1,800 and can be purchased online at www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style� stores or at select retailers around the country. (Source: Press Release) Sony Unleashes Blu-Ray Laptop and UMPC On the other end of the portable PC spectrum, Sony's VAIO VGN-UX180P is set to blow the OQO model 01 out of the water with design and functionality. The unit weighs a scant 1.2 pounds and runs a full-blown version of Windows XP Professional, as opposed to the Tablet Edition installed on many other UMPCs. The 4.5-inch touchscreen slides upwards, like the T-Mobile Sidekick, exposing a QWERTY keyboard. Even more impressive is that the unit will integrate a wireless WAN cellular modem from Cingular, evident from the antenna that swivels upwards from the back. The UX Series will also have two cameras: a higher resolution camera in the back for photos and a lower resolution one in the front for webcasting. Customers also get a built-in fingerprint reader for quick log-ins. A docking station is included with VGA output, so you can use a larger external display with the UX series. (Source: Cisco Cheng , PC Magazine) EO tablet kiosk looks decent Hands on with the TC4400 I�ve been evaluating a pre-production version of the TC4400 for the last few weeks. In addition to the usual poking and prodding I�ve used the TC4400 in anger for the last week or so because my beloved TC1100 became a bit unstable. Those who know me may be wondering how I�ve managed to keep this a secret for this long. Sure � posted a couple of teases but I kept the cat firmly in the bag. How is that possible when I am by nature a person who is passionate about gizmos, gadgets and especially tablets? Well to be honest it was greatly helped by the fact that the TC4400 is, well, not all that exciting really. While it has some good features and some points that need improvement there is nothing in particular that I�ve been dying to share. In this post I�ll give you a visual tour and then drill down into the good and bad points. (Source: Craig Pringle Blog) |
Click here for Advertising Information
Copyright 2001 - 2012 Chris De
Herrera, All Rights Reserved
A member of the
Talksites
Family of Websites
All Trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
