|
|
|
|
News Week of April 29, 2007Vista draining laptop batteries, patience Vista, while touted as having improved power management capabilities that would make it easier for users to extend battery life, isn't to some living up to that promise. The main culprit appears to be the Aero Glass interface, a spiffy new user interface that makes Vista more pleasing to the eye with transparent windows and animated transitions when moving from one application to another. When Aero is turned off, battery life is equal to or better than Windows XP systems. But with it turned on, battery life suffers compared with Windows XP. Microsoft made some important changes in Vista that do improve some aspects of battery life, such as smarter hibernation modes that override applications that want to keep running, and simpler options for choosing a power management setting. But laptop users who spent extra money on powerful laptops to handle the graphics requirements of Vista and the Aero interface are forced to run the aesthetic equivalent of Vista Basic, the low-cost version of Vista, if they care about battery life. (Source: Tom Krazit, CNET News.com, ZDNet) For the past 5 years desktop graphics cards have had to use extra cooling fans and even extra power connectors in order to meet the needs of gamers. Now with Aero Glass this is standard fare. So it is no suprise to me that the reduced battery life is occuring because Aero Glass exercises the video functionality AND the CPU thus using more power than XP. - Chris D Gateway E-155C Tablet PC Review Gateway calls it "The Thin & Light Convertible", but some users may beg to differ. The new E-155C Tablet PC is Gateway's smallest Tablet to date, but it's not that lightweight. It is thin and portable and the fact that it weighs 4.5 pounds didn't bother me that much, but users who like the under 4lb ultra-portable Tablets may be disappointed. The E-155C does have a solid design and a good array of features for the price, which makes the extra weight easier to accept. (note to readers: while we refer to this system as the E155C throughout the review, it is the same device as the C120X and S-7125C that are also sold on Gateway.com. The machine is referred to generically as "The Thin and Light Convertible" on Gateway's site) What’s in your Tablet PC? How to add Ink to a Silverlight web app As a web developer, all of this Silverlight news coming out of Mix07 is like a dream come true. Being able to code up apps in .net, utilizing a single set of skill sets and deliver rich media couldn't hit closer to home for me. I've been working on some flash based database driven apps for awhile that need to be migrated, and what a prime opportunity! Well, what gets even better for the Tablet PC space is the natural built-in ink integration that becomes available on the web now. Inking forms, marking up video, marking up pictures all on the web is now a lot closer to reality. If you are developer interested in learning more about Silverlight and adding ink to your Silverlight web app, checkout this video from Channel 9 - there is also source code available. (Source: Rob Bushway, GottaBeMobile) Xtalks and Exploria Present Multi-Channel Marketing: A Tablet PC E-Detailing Success Phenomenon Webinar May 24, 2007 This Xtalks will explore best practices in linking online e-detailing to rep-based tablet PC detailing, thus transforming traditional pharmaceutical marketing practice. Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 2, 2007 -- Xtalks is pleased to present the web conference Multi-Channel Marketing: A Tablet PC E-Detailing Success Phenomenon, scheduled for May 24, 2007 at 11:00am EDT. Tablet PC detailing or Closed Loop Marketing, is a proven phenomenon that empowers the pharma company with a tool to enrich the sales reps' presentation to the prescriber, drive segmented messages to the right doctors at the right time, monitor compliance with brand messaging, and provide for a powerful analytical and predictive modeling tool. This Xtalks will explore best practices in linking online e-detailing to rep-based tablet PC detailing, thus transforming traditional pharmaceutical marketing practice. This X-Talk will explore best practices in linking online e-detailing to rep-based tablet PC detailing, thus transforming traditional pharmaceutical marketing practice. Leading the discussion are H.B. Slotnick, Ph.D., a researcher into how medical professionals learn, Dr. Jens Härtel, Managing Director, BSMO, and Richie A. Bavasso Richie A. Bavasso, President, Exploria SPS. The tablet PC/e-detailing platform has the potential to transform the traditional pharma business model, where a sales call, delivered via any channel, can become a more productive, less expensive marketing action, requiring lower commitment of resources around marketing plans. There is still time to register for at: http://www.xtalks.com/valuemetrics.ashx Points Addressed Include: The sales rep/physician interaction: gather data about the "learning stage" of the physician The Multi-Channel Marketing: A Tablet PC E-Detailing Success Phenomenon web conference takes place on, May 24, 2007, from 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT. (Source: Press Release) ThirdForce meets Sector needs with complete solution for Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 ThirdForce, the UK market leader in e-learning for the healthcare sector, has launched a complete solution to the delivery of the Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 qualification for assistants and support workers in multiple-site residential and domiciliary care. Building on the success of their healthcare compliance e-learning suite (which includes Common Induction Standards and Health & Food Safety) ThirdForce’s solution has been developed in collaboration with national care providers and awarding bodies. “Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 is now a mandatory qualification for care workers” says Richard Taylor, ThirdForce’s director of business development. “Care providers told us of the challenges involved in delivering NVQs to hundreds of employees geographically dispersed over multiple sites. They told us they need total ease of administration and a practical approach that makes learning enjoyable and can be easily accessed in the workplace.” The solution, Skills Suite for NVQ2, consists of a suite of e-learning modules together with an e-portfolio specifically designed for multiple site operators. It provides quality learning to employees and considerable administrative benefits to employers. For the carer, the learning is intuitive and user friendly with clear vocabulary, narration and engaging imagery. ThirdForce’s Skills for Life For the care provider, administration is simplified by linking assessment and learning in one paperless solution. The e-portfolio automatically populates learners’ records and tracks their progress remotely with automated reports, while the e-learning content delivers the qualification targets set out in the National Minimum Standards and increases pass rates by improving learner retention. Ongoing costs for employers are significantly reduced by restricting paper chains and by reducing the number of unproductive assessor visits that currently lead to a great deal of wasted time and effort. Adds Taylor, “Our clients tell us that respect for the dignity of service users is paramount. By developing their staff’s confidence and competence, our new package helps employers to retain their people and provide consistently high standards and continuity of care”. Catherine Lambie, director of operational compliance at Care UK commented “ThirdForce’s e-learning courses are a hugely valuable learning experience for our care workers, as well as being the most cost-effective way of delivering training.” (Source: Press Release) Mobile data saves care worker time Middlesbrough Council has given care workers tablet PCs that support electronic data sharing to improve its services. The council’s social care department has implemented electronic single assessment process (Sap) technology from Liquidlogic to enable data sharing across all health and social care agencies in the district. ‘The project is about better communication,’ said Fred Taylor, head of Sap at Middlesbrough Social Services. ‘Every public enquiry into a care problem has highlighted a fault around communication.’ (Source: Lisa Kelly, Computing) Dowling Catholic shows off new demonstration classroom BT develops motion-sensing laptop A team of experts at BT's research labs at Adastral Park are testing a device for laptops that uses 'Nintendo Wii-style technology' to enable the PC to be controlled by moving or tilting it. The BT Balance system comprises a specially designed adaptor containing a movement sensing accelerator chip that can be plugged into any standard laptop or tablet PC and software that translates motion and rotation into actions on the user's computer screen. The software can be adapted so that users can move a cursor around the screen or even turn the pages of a virtual manual without once touching a mouse, trackpad or keyboard. (Source: Simon Aughton, IT Pro) WordLogic Rejuvenates Their Online Presence to Better Reflect Their Revolutionary Multi-Platform Predictive Text Technologies In the ever-changing and ultra competitive world of communication technologies, WordLogic Corporation is a proven leader in the development of advanced predictive text input software useful for anyone who relies on electronic communications, from typists to students, journalists to office workers. In order to reach an ever expanding market of predictive text users, WordLogic has applied their business philosophy of efficient communication to their own website, and relied on the professional and cutting edge web skills of Solocube Solutions Inc. to develop www.wordlogic.com. Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) May 1, 2007 -- Solocube has seriously enhanced WordLogic's online presence with the creation of an effective and bold new website, introducing WordLogic's new line of predictive keyboard solutions on desktop, handheld and tablet PC platforms. The new site is also a central tenet for WordLogic's new marketing plan to promote their revolutionary software technology, as well as the soon to be launched new text entry/text messaging input solution utilizing the WordLogic's patent pending prediction engine. Additionally, Solocube designed the packaging for all three versions of the WordLogic software. "The new website has seriously promoted WordLogic by laying out in a simple and easily understood fashion our revolutionizing technology that is changing how people communicate electronically," said WordLogic Senior-Vice President Peter Knaven. With the launch of the new website, WordLogic is now more capable than ever to meet the needs of a growing market for computer users who want the ease and convenience of predictive text. "WordLogic is in the business of effective communication, so the essential element in the new website was making their product as easily understood as possible," said Ivan Dancourt, CEO of Solocube Solutions Inc. "We were able to take their marketing, product packaging and website to the next level, to reach the ever growing numbers of people who want to use their revolutionary technology to excel in business and personal communications." Consumers can find WordLogic products in online retailers such as http://www.handango.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.pocketgear.com, http://www.jr.com. (Source: Press Release) Tiny PC Could Be Big Boon to Soldiers TigerDirect.com Extends Ultra-Portable Micro Computers Category With New Vendor Additions OQO and Azentek Add to Category Line-up That Includes Sony & Samsung MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TigerDirect.com, a leading online retailer for consumer electronics and technology products, has expanded its category of ultra-portable micro computers with the addition of the OQO 02 and the Azentek GB-810 Ultra Mobile PC and IVC semi-rugged table PC. “Ultra-portable micro computers provide the ultimate blend of performance, connectivity and usability with their quality processing power, lasting battery life and lightweight frame,” said Carl Fiorentino, president of TigerDirect.com. “Perfect for students on the go, jet-setting business users or home consumers looking for simplicity in computing, TigerDirect.com now offers a number of ultra-portable micro computing options at great prices.” The OQO 02 ultra-portable PC enables full PC performance for uncompromised personal and professional productivity. The 02 has built-in mobile broadband EV-DO technology for extended connectivity, and it has pocket-size form factor with sliding display and integrated thumb keyboard. Also available through TigerDirect.com is the 02 docking station, which enables seamless synching to a desktop or notebook computer. Azentek offers the GB-810 Ultra Mobile PC, a small, lightweight user-friendly PC that can be used for entertainment with videos, games music and pictures on the go. The GB-810 also offers business functionality, keeping track of schedules, e-mail, presentation development, spreadsheets and other critical business tools. The Azentek IVC is a mobile, ruggedized, full featured, touch screen tablet PC that runs a Windows XP operating system and can be used inside or out in a rugged environment. OQO and Azentek extend TigerDirect.com’s ultra-portable micro computer category, which already includes products from Sony and Samsung. With advancements such as low-voltage processors and longer battery life, ultra-portable micro computers offer optimum lightweight versatility with sleek design and versatile functionality. Whether for business or personal use, these computers can run all of today’s important applications such as Windows Vista, and their colorful screens let users view their favorite DVDs and dynamic multimedia files. (Source: Press release) Review: Not flipping for the FlipStart micro PC Unfortunately, the smallest thing about the FlipStart is its reason to live. I think it's Klingons who leave the no-purpose runts of their litters on rocks as otherworldly snacks for predators. That way, the kid can go back to Sto-Vo-Kor and try again. (Yeah, I looked that up and probably still got it wrong.) Vulcan needs to try again, too. Because I'm nuking the FlipStart itself, not the micro PC concept -- though I have yet to see one I respect. For me, respect requires purpose. And so far, while colorful little dwarven PCs certainly look cool, they can't sing "hi ho hi ho off to work we go" because, well, they're too small for work. Sony's UX, OQO's 02, and the FlipStart are all too small to serve as effective work machines. And it's not about horsepower, or even the display: it's all about the keyboard. (Source: InfoWorld Blogs) Affordable UMPC from Data Evolution Data Evolution Corporation has announced the launch of Cathena CX UMPC in the North American markets. Bringing an affordable price tag to the UMPCs seems to be the main aim of their first UMPC. Cathena CX is DEC's expansion in the lineup of unique mobile and thin client computing products. It is very agressively priced compared to similar products and appeals to enterprises, students and average consumer. THe Cathena CX is a touch-screen tablet PC in a compact, convertible form factor. (Source: LaptopLogic) Teachers say tech enhances learning Haslett Middle School teacher Reid McGuire's classroom has an interactive white board, Tablet PC and a set of small handheld key pads resembling TV remote controls for immediate feedback from students. It's not the same ol' smart kids answering questions. "Participation has gone up exponentially," McGuire said. "I can get 100 percent participation stress free." (Source: Lansing State Journal) Is there any “wow” left in the Tablet PC? Rob Bushway at GottaBeMobile.com wrote a thoughtful piece the other day pondering where the "wow" has gone in the Tablet PC segment. It's a well-balanced look at what he sees as a mature product segment lacking in significant new innovations that are likely to drive large numbers of new adopters to the platform. I've been using Tablet PCs for about as long as Rob – I first got my hands on the original Toshiba entry into the space (the Portege 3500) back in 2003 and I remember the "wow" experience it delivered. James Kendrick of jkOnTheRun and my occasional podcast partner wrote an equally thoughtful rebuttal piece yesterday invoking the apparently imminent entry from Dell into the space as a sign of health and continuing validation for the Tablet PC. And, in classic blogosphere fashion, Rob has responded with a second post that moves the conversation forward, saying (in part): (Source: Marc Orchant, ZDNet Blogs) Menlow, MIDIA, and the future of Windows Mobile |
Click here for Advertising Information
Copyright 2001 - 2007 Chris De
Herrera, All Rights Reserved
A member of the
Talksites
Family of Websites
All Trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
). Menlow processors will be just a quarter of the size of current x86 designs, with about 1/10th the power requirements (try