News Week of January 7, 2007

Supply constraints dog Lenovo on new Tablet PC

eWEEK confirms what I was told by a Lenovo rep at CES this week � supply issues related the displays used in some models of the new X60 Tablet PC are creating delays in fulfilling order and the drought will extend for a while to come. The X60 is high on my list of most desirable new Tablet PC to replace my aging Toshiba M200 � a device I have really enjoyed using but which has proved incapable of handling Vista due to its aging specs and the company's decision not to bother supplying drivers for critical hardware components.  (Source: Marc Orchant, ZDNet)

FranklinCovey Announces Updates to Planning Applications and New Gadget for Windows Vista at CES 2007

PlanPlus� for Microsoft Outlook and PlanPlus� for Windows To Be Updated for Windows Vista and Outlook 2007 

FranklinCovey (NYSE:FC) today announced updates to its award-winning productivity applications, PlanPlus� for Windows and PlanPlus� for Microsoft Outlook, which will be compliant with Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 by January 29, 2007. Both applications are based on the FranklinCovey Planning System and assist users in getting organized and focused on their priorities, to increase overall effectiveness using a desktop, notebook or Tablet PC.

FranklinCovey also announced the release of the FranklinCovey Task List Gadget for Windows Vista, which enables users to quickly view their PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook or PlanPlus for Windows task list within the Windows Vista Sidebar. It allows users to add and sort tasks by rank and priority using the FranklinCovey planning methodology. The gadget will be available with the 30-day trial or purchase ($99.95) of PlanPlus v.5.1 for Windows or PlanPlus v.4.1 for Microsoft Outlook. Both applications and the gadget were created with development partner, Agilix�.

�FranklinCovey has had a long-standing relationship with Microsoft and we are pleased to update our applications for Windows Vista compliance to significantly enhance the functionality of both Microsoft Office Outlook and Windows for individuals and teams,� said Jeff Anderson, Senior Vice President of Product Management for FranklinCovey. �We are honored to have created the FranklinCovey Task List Gadget, allowing Windows Vista users to apply our planning methodology every day to enhance their productivity as they complete their most important tasks first.�

�Microsoft is pleased to highlight FranklinCovey�s PlanPlus for Windows Vista,� said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows Client at Microsoft Corp. �FranklinCovey has consistently produced exceptional products that help users significantly increase their effectiveness and productivity. We are excited the company is taking advantage of Windows SideBar technology for its FranklinCovey Task List Gadget designed to help users better prioritize and manage their most vital tasks.�

PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook

PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook seamlessly integrates the proven planning methods from FranklinCovey within Outlook. It features a user interface that mirrors FranklinCovey�s paper planner, a Project Manager and handheld applications for Windows Mobile-based devices and Palm� devices. 

Users can view their calendar, tasks or projects and notes or e-mail on one screen. The toolbar along the top of the screen allows easy accessibility to notes, daily tasks, projects, Weekly Planning, and �Coach Me� Dynamic Help. PlanPlus also features a rich-text editor which gives users full customization capabilities within PowerNotes and Daily Notes.

The Project Manager allows users to manage their projects with a simple, user-friendly interface that integrates directly with their Daily Task List. Project Manager supports customizable columns to display priority, flags, owner, category, due date, and more on one screen. To simplify reporting, Project Manager easily generates summary and detailed e-mail project reports. Additionally, users can delegate tasks and view their progress or completion within their own Project Manager. Project Manager also supports templates and copy and paste functionality within Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

In addition to standard sync functionality, users of Windows Mobile 5.0 can access the FranklinCovey Daily Task List, Master Task List, Project Manager, and Daily Notes applications on their handheld device or smartphone. These new applications were developed by WebIS and a full version of their award-winning product, Pocket Informant 2007, is included with PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook.

Palm� users can access the FranklinCovey Daily Task List, Master Task List, Project Manager, Mission/Values, Compass/Roles, and Goals applications on their handheld device.

PlanPlus for Outlook includes digital ink support for Tablet PC users to take notes in their own handwriting within the PowerNotes note-taking and note management module and traditional FranklinCovey Planning Page users can print information from Outlook and PlanPlus to all four FranklinCovey Planning Page sizes.

PlanPlus for Windows

PlanPlus for Windows is a stand-alone electronic planning system with the look and functionality of a paper planner. It was created for users who do not rely on Outlook alone, but who utilize a desktop, notebook, Tablet PC or Ultra Mobile PC running Windows.

The software allows users to manage their calendar, tasks, contacts and notes using the familiar layout and functionality of the FranklinCovey Paper Planning System. It features ink-enabled note-taking, a customizable user interface, full category support, and FranklinCovey applications for Palm OS.

Tablet PC and Ultra Mobile PC users have digital ink support throughout the application and can convert handwritten notes to standard text. Users can add objects, flags, and drawings to notes; insert, move, and resize graphics; and utilize a tabbed filing system to keep notes and information easily accessible.

The customizable user interface allows users to customize their workspace to meet their needs by using the drag-and-drop feature to select, view and manipulate those modules that are most important to the user. PlanPlus for Windows also offers full category support to assign categories to tasks, appointments and contacts.

In addition to standard sync functionality, Palm users can synchronize and view FranklinCovey applications including Daily Tasks, Master Tasks, Daily Record, Missions/Values, Weekly Compass�, and Goals on their handheld devices. The software also offers synchronization to Microsoft Outlook.

Traditional FranklinCovey Planning Page users can print information from Outlook and PlanPlus to all four FranklinCovey Planning Page sizes.

Both applications are available in 89 FranklinCovey retail stores, by calling 800-819-1812, or by visiting www.franklincovey.com/vista, where users can also download a free 30-day trial. Suggested retail is $99.95 for either PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook or PlanPlus for Windows. A free update is available for users who own PlanPlus v.4 for Microsoft Outlook or PlanPlus v.5 for Windows. Site licensing and quantity discounts are also available.

For system requirements please visit www.franklincovey.com/vista. (Source: Press Release)

Toshiba Portege R400 Hands On Review (Video)

One of the two major notebook/Tablet PC announcements at CES was the Toshiba Portege R400. We were able to log a few minutes with the machine to develop an initial impression.

Above is a video of the R400 with an invisible shell on it, Toshiba had this on display at their CES 2007 booth. It's pretty neat to see all the internals of this laptop and how everything has been crammed inside. Honestly, I think there's a market for selling notebooks with a case like this -- kind of cool looking.

Toshiba did a lot of things right with the R400. Their screen is one of the best, if not the best, we've ever seen in a Tablet PC. It's an enhanced (glossy) display powered by 32 LED lights. This gives a nice even picture. Another bonus is better battery life, as these LEDs require less power. Toshiba doesn't have official stats on the battery savings, but the indication is it's significant.   (Source: Brian, TabletPCReview.com)

CES 2007: Dialogue's New Flybook V5i Tablet PC

Check out the recently released Flybook V5i from Dialogue. The V5i is the newest addition to the Flybook Tablet PC family.

(view large image)

The V5i features a 8.9" touch screen, 1.2 GHz Core Duo processor (Core 2 Duo coming soon), sim slot for 3g and HSDPA connectivity. The Flybook V5i also includes a web camera and comes in your choice of red, gold, black and possibly pink. The location of the mouse control buttons are very innovative as is the design. Overall the Tablet seems to be a well built machine. (Source: Tiffany Boggs, TabletPCReview)

OQO Unveils Model 02

In my opinion OQO is probably the most underrated company in IT. We�ve twice had variants of its gorgeous �model 01� pocket size PC in our hands � the original 01 and the 01+ Tablet Edition � and loved them both but the format has yet to really take off. It also beat Microsoft�s UMPC concept out the door by several years so hopefully the new �Model 02� will get OQO the recognition it deserves.  (Source: Gordon Kelly, Trusted Reviews)

OQO unveils �model 02�: the world�s smallest Vista capable PC (update)

By the end of Q1, 2007, OQO will launch a tiny, fully powered PC that runs Windows Vista, comes with EVDO wireless, plays music and videos, runs standard desktop applications, has 30Gb or 60Gb of space, a tablet interface, an inbuilt keyboard and runs for 3 or 6 hours depending on which battery you choose.

The OQO model 2 is the world�s smallest �real� portable computer. While it has a keyboard, which is more like a glorified 'thumb board', it also has an active digitizer, so it's compatible with both the older Windows XP Tablet PC edition, and the extensive handwriting/Tablet features that are just built-in to Windows Vista.

So to enter data, you could easily write emails and see them incredibly accurately turned into text. Given that Vista has built-in voice recognition technology that is also surprisingly good, you should also be able to just dictate as well, providing you�re in the right environment.  (Source: Alex Zaharov-Reutt, ITWire)

Learn About the eo� v7110 UMPC

Recently, HGTV's popular technology television series "I Want That! Tech Toys" featured a review of the UMPC platform spotlighting, in particular, the eo� v7110 by Engadget.com Editor-in-Chief, Peter Rojas.

The video clip below requires your browser is running with at least the Flash 7 player plug-in to be viewed properly. If you can't see the movie, click here to download the latest version of the Flash player.  (Source: Press Release)

InPlay Technologies Announces Digital Pen Support for UMPC Market

InPlay Technologies(R) , a developer and marketer of innovative, emerging technologies, today announced that its digital pen technology offers computer OEMs pen-input capability for ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) devices.

The InPlay MagicPoint(R) system for UMPCs consists of a digitizer behind a seven-inch LCD screen and an active RF digital writing pen. The system is customizable to meet OEM specifications, from a low-cost corded pen with basic handwriting input capability to a feature-rich cordless digital pen for powerful computing in a highly mobile system.

The active RF pen adds greater accuracy and enhanced functionality such as hover, tilt and pressure sensitivity, creating a more user-friendly interaction versus a passive stylus. Additionally, there is less wear and tear on the writing surface than experienced with traditional touch screens.

"InPlay's MagicPoint technology can also be leveraged beyond the tablet PC, our primary market today. Our goal is to enable active RF pen-input as a standard user interface across all mobile PC devices," said Bob Brilon, CEO, InPlay Technologies. "By offering a range of options, we can help OEMs targeting the UMPC market design an active digitizer with the functionality and price point that best fits their needs."

The UMPC platform takes the functionality of a full-size laptop PC into a light, portable device about the size of a paperback book. Most UMPC devices currently on the market offer a touch screen interface with a passive stylus. By adding the InPlay MagicPoint active digitizer and pen, OEMs can offer an enhanced user experience in their next-generation products.

InPlay's MagicPoint technology is the only pen input solution with digital stream communication available today. The analog technology used on most systems today uses an analog communication method with limited expansion capability. With digital signaling technology, the MagicPoint system enables nearly limitless future feature enhancements as the market for pen-input capability expands.

Introduced in early 2006, market research firm In-Stat believes the potential for UMPC shipments could be 7.8 million units by 2011  (Source: Press Release)

CES 2007: LG XNote C1 Tablet PC Spotted

Our very own TabletPCReview team got a chance to spend a few minutes with the LG XNote C1 at CES. This Tablet has been available in the Korean market for sometime now, so will it be coming to the US? Unfortunately our tipster tells us that it is unlikely to go on sale in the US, but the XNote C1 has a great design and is very sturdy.   (Source: Tiffany Boggs, TabletPCReview)
Posted Wednesday, January 10, 2007 by ChrisD
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CES Reports: The Tablet PC and UMPC Meetup

What a party! This year�s Tablet PC and UMPC Meetup turned into quite a shindig. I heard a headcount of around 100 or so in attendance at Cheesburger Las Vegas. Numbers are one thing, but let me tell you the feeling in the room was thrilling throughout the evening. With a mix of Tablet PC evangelists, users, OEMs, developers, Microsoft folk, and a few friends and family in attendance, you could feel a very positive energy emanating within the room.

In certain corners of the restaurant folks were showing off their own personal machines, next to manufacturers who were showing off accesories. In one area, TabletKiosk�s Martin Smekal engaged the Neek Talkers, (Elizabeth, Sarah, and Kim Heiny) in a long conversation. Watching that occur from a distance lended a very special feel to the event that is really hard to describe, even though it is often done so with the word communiity. It certainly is a community of like minded individuals, but in my humble opinion, the energy coursing through that room was bigger than just the sense of that word community.   (Source: Warner Crocker, GottaBeMobile)

CES: OLPC Gives Update on Laptop, Says Cost Will Be $130

The display is mounted on a swivel to allow kids to turn it completely around to share what�s on their display, and even to fold it so that the laptop turns into a tablet PC for reading. It also carries a webcam so kids can send images of themselves and their surroundings.  (Source: Tech Informer, CIO)

Axiotron and OWC Unveil the ModBook, the One and Only Mac Tablet

Other World Computing and Axiotron, Inc. debut first ever Mac  tablet computer solution at Macworld

San Francisco (January 09, 2007) - Axiotron, Inc. together with its strategic partner and exclusive US Distributor Other World Computing (OWC) today unveiled the ModBook, the first ever Mac OS X tablet computer solution on January 9th, at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Initial suggested retail prices begin at $2,279.

Andreas Haas, president of Axiotron, is a former management level leader with Apple Computer, Inc., including serving as Newton Business Unit Manager in Europe, which explored tablet feasibility.

"Built for mobile users, artists, students, medical practitioners and professionals, the Axiotron ModBook enables its user to draw and write directly on the screen, while the handwriting recognition built into Mac OS X Tiger not only turns hand scribbles into text in every application, but also provides extended control of the system through gesture recognition. If your favored input device is the pen, then this is the Mac tablet solution for you," said Haas.

The Axiotron ModBook is an after-market hardware modification solution of the Apple  MacBook  notebook computer, adding true pen input, a new 13.3" wide screen LCD and an optional Global Positioning System in a tough, satin chrome plated magnesium top shell, while keeping all the powerful features of the MacBook base system. With the award winning Mac OS X and its built-in Inkwell handwriting recognition, up to 2GHz fast Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the integrated iSight  camera and the CD/DVD combo drive, the slate-style Axiotron ModBook is the ultimate companion for applications and situations where a keyboard only gets in the way.

The Axiotron ModBook is immediately available for pre-orders in the US and Canada through an exclusive strategic-partnership arrangement between Axiotron and Other World Computing. Customers purchase the ModBook conversion, the MacBook configuration they wish converted, and the full warranty-backed conversion service of OWC - all through www.macsales.com/modbook. Every ModBook solution purchased through Other World Computing includes a 1 year OWC warranty, which can be extended to up to 3 years.

"Other World Computing is committed to bringing the best technology products and Apple support available. It is a natural partnership for OWC to be the exclusive company to bring the Axiotron ModBook to the technology community," said Larry O'Connor, CEO of Other World Computing.
 
The Axiotron ModBook features Wacom  Penabled  hardware, the same high quality technology that makes the Wacom pen tablets and interactive pen displays the preferred choice for professional artists, designers, photographers, and consumers. Requiring no batteries or magnets, the pen always feels light and nimble and due to the radio-based digitizer technology, users can even write with their hand resting on the screen. This technology allows the cursor to be controlled while the pen is hovering over the screen, providing for an intuitive, mouse-like interface with zero learning curve.

"Wacom is pleased to have its patented pen input technology incorporated in the Axiotron ModBook tablet solution for the Mac enthusiast," said Joe Deal, President of Wacom Technology Corp. "ModBook users will appreciate the pen's intuitive interface, comfort, and the mobility it adds to the overall computing experience."

The Modbook is the only portable Mac solution that features an optional built-in Global Positioning System (GPS). Based on the industry leading SiRFstar  III chipset, the Axiotron Modbook GPS Module has been developed in cooperation with GlobalSat Technologies Corporation (www.usglobalsat.com), an industry leader in GPS technology and longtime manufacturer of external, high quality GPS solutions for Mac and PC.

"Providing state-of-the-art embedded GPS technology is an area that is fast becoming a major segment of our business," stated Alex Kotoff, Managing Director of USGlobalSat, Inc., GlobalSat's US subsidiary. "Collaboration with product developers such as Axiotron, Inc. who are helping to promote new 'in-field' applications for GPS receivers, is what makes this business exciting."

The Axiotron ModBook utilizes the original MacBook iSight camera, slightly tilted downwards, allowing video conference applications like iChat to better frame the face of the user.

The ModBook is the only slate-style tablet computer solution on the market with an internal CD/DVD combo drive, which can be upgraded to a DVD/CD combo burner with up to 8.5 GB capacity. In combination with its 13.3" wide screen LCD, the ModBook also functions as a large screen portable DVD entertainment system.

The ModBook solution base configuration, with a suggested retail price of $2,279, is based on a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Apple MacBook with full ModBook tablet conversion, all backed by a 1 year OWC warranty. Additional configurations include such options as: an Axiotron ModBook GPS Module, 2 year OWC warranty extension plans, 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, up to 160GB (5400-RPM) or 200GB (4200-RPM) hard drive, 6x or 8x DVD±RW and CD-RW slot-load combo drive.

During Macworld and until January 31st, Other World Computing is offering the complete ModBook base configuration plus the built-in Axiotron GPS Module at a Special Introductory Price of $2,199.

Axiotron engineers and OWC product specialists will be displaying the Axiotron ModBook for hands-on trials at the Other World Computing booth  #S2218 throughout the Macworld Conference & Expo.
The Axiotron ModBook will be available in Europe in the second half of 2007.  (Source: Press Release)

SmartDraw.com Announces Tablet PC version of SmartDraw 2007

New release supports Tablet PC computing and Vista, delivers enhanced flowcharting and mind mapping capabilities, and provides improved graphics functionality

SAN DIEGO, CA � January 9, 2007 � SmartDraw.com, creator of SmartDraw�, the world's most popular business graphics software, today announced an update to SmartDraw 2007 (release 8.1), bringing tablet PC readiness and major feature enhancements to its award winning program. With SmartDraw, anyone can create professional-quality business graphics such as flowcharts, org charts, Gantt charts, timelines, floorplans and more in minutes � no experience or training required.

SmartDraw fully supports mobile computing on a tablet PC. Using the stylus a user can select and stamp appropriate shapes and draw lines onto the page, then annotate them with ink and handwritten words that can be automatically converted to typed text.

"We are the first business graphics software of its kind for tablet PCs," stated SmartDraw.com chief executive and founder Paul Stannard. "Other tablet PC graphics programs require drawing by hand with the stylus. SmartDraw is the first program to offer true professional-quality graphics, combined with a hand-drawn ink layer for quick notes and annotation. A tablet user can create a floor plan (or any other graphic) with SmartDraw more quickly and accurately than hand-drawing it, and with a much higher quality result," stated Stannard.

Also with the new release, flowcharting is now even easier with SmartDraw's unique "auto-insert" feature. Connector lines automatically redraw themselves when objects are inserted or deleted within the chart, saving time and boosting productivity. The new Mind Mapping SmartPanelTM command set encourages "organized brainstorming" - allowing users to add details and ideas to their mind maps with a click of a mouse. "Once you've developed your mind map, you can take planning further with Gantt charts, timelines and calendars � all with the same product, SmartDraw 2007," said Stannard.

Graphics have been greatly improved and users can now set any color to be partially transparent to create new effects and perfect Venn diagrams. SmartDraw's graphic libraries are fully customizable and have been expanded with new calendars, templates and examples, together with additional images from Lippincott for the SmartDraw Healthcare Edition.

SmartDraw.com offers a variety of licensing options and programs for organizations of all sizes. A free trial is available at: www.smartdraw.com and includes both online and telephone technical support.  (Source: Press Release)

Toshiba Convertible Notebook Geared For Vista

In a sneak peek at the Portege R400, the CRN Test Center found the computer quite elegant looking, cloaked in glossy black and white enamel with a clear-coat finish. Vista has built-in tablet functionality, so the notebook can be easily converted to tablet form via special peg-and-guide hinge pivots and a latch-free lid. Sleek and lightweight, the Portege R400 measures 14.2 inches wide, 10.6 inches deep and 1.2 inches high and it weighs 3.75 pounds.

More than just a looker, the R400 notebook leverages Microsoft Active Notifications with Push Technology to receive real-time alerts. Users no longer have to initiate the send/receive process to check e-mail. Instead, the notebook automatically checks for new e-mail and calendar entries, even while in the suspend mode.

But what's really unique is that users don't even have to open or turn on the notebook to see new alert notifications, e-mail headers and calendar updates. A second display called the Personal Information Assistant (PIA) on the front edge of the notebook shows new messages in realtime. The edge display can be seen in notebook or tablet mode, as well as when the unit is stored in a carrying case.    (Source: Marc Spiwak, CRN)

HP Redefines Personal Digital Entertainment Experience with Expanded Portfolio for Consumers

HP today expanded its portfolio of digital entertainment offerings with a new consumer PC category and a broad lineup of digital entertainment products and services that aim to fundamentally change the way people connect, access and enjoy high-definition and personal digital content.

Announced at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the offerings include the industry�s first all-in-one touch-screen PC and touch-screen consumer tablet PC based on Microsoft Windows Vista�,(1) HP�s first home media server, nine new high-definition TVs, a Blu-ray disc writer, new digital content delivery services and home automation solutions.

Additionally, the company�s online photo service, Snapfish by HP, has released a new software tool that will enable members to bypass the photo upload process and send their pictures to their PCs or Snapfish accounts without a single click of a mouse.

�People are rapidly moving to a high-definition lifestyle, generating and sharing their own personal digital content and enjoying higher quality movies and music,� said Todd Bradley, executive vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. �HP has the broadest portfolio of digital entertainment products and partnerships that can transform the way people experience TV, music, movies, photographs and other entertainment content, from instant access to movies and photos with HP QuickPlay to our HP MediaSmart HDTVs to a new touch-screen category that enables walk-up computing.�

New touch-screen PCs for computing wherever life happens in the home

To meet the changing ways in which people want to access and enjoy their digital content, HP, the worldwide PC sales leader,(2) has introduced its latest innovation in PC design.

The new HP TouchSmart PC is the industry�s first all-in-one PC based on Microsoft Windows Vista. It provides users with one-touch wireless access to information, communication and entertainment through HP SmartCenter, a new customizable user interface that includes HP SmartCalendar for family calendaring and HP PhotoSmart Touch to manage digital photos. Featuring a 19-inch HD widescreen with adjustable touch-screen display, Vista remote control and personal video recorder with HD and SD TV programming, the HP TouchSmart PC enables �walk-up computing,� the ability to quickly and easily have touch access to digital content wherever life happens in the home.

HP also introduced the industry�s first consumer tablet PC optimized for Microsoft Windows Vista and on-the-go entertainment. The HP Pavilion tx1000 Entertainment Notebook PC features a touch-screen display, built-in miniature remote control, HP QuickPlay instant movie viewing feature, karaoke and a screen that swivels 180 degrees and folds flat for working or enjoying movies in tight travel spaces such as airplanes or trains.

By partnering with Sling Media, creators of the industry-leading Slingbox, HP has enhanced its QuickPlay offering on consumer notebooks with �place shifting,� which allows consumers to instantly access their live television programming and DVR content � as easy as turning on a TV.

Delivering the high-def lifestyle

HP�s new line of high-definition TVs, home media server and digital content delivery services allows consumers to easily view and share their high-definition content throughout their homes.

The 2007 HP HDTV lineup includes nine new plasma, LCD and MediaSmart TV models, all of which feature an improved Visual Fidelity Engine for enhanced image quality with finer picture detail.

HP MediaSmart TVs merge the PC and the TV with the ability to wirelessly(3) stream digital photos, music and videos from a PC onto a stylish HP high-definition LCD display. The latest models feature 1080p performance and the new HP Entertainment Services Portal, which provides access to a variety of online photo, video and music services with the click of a remote. Services include Snapfish, Real Networks� Rhapsody and CinemaNow, which allows consumers to begin watching movies from its library of more than 4,000 titles before the download is even complete.

The new HP MediaSmart Server is designed to help people get the most out of their home networks by connecting them to their digital assets both at home and on the go. Based on Microsoft�s new Windows� Home Server platform and an AMD processor, the server enables users to access, back up, share and enjoy digital music, home videos and photos from any computer or entertainment system on a home network. The server also has the expandability and extensibility to grow with a family�s changing needs.

HP also released its first Blu-ray disc player, the HP bd135 Blu-ray Disc Writer. The device delivers the crystal-clear picture quality of Blu-ray Disc movies and allows users to record high-definition TV broadcasts as well as store data, digital photos, music and camcorder footage.

In collaboration with Best Buy For Business and Exceptional Innovation, HP additionally debuted ConnectedLife.Home, a packaged digital home solution designed to bring digital entertainment and home automation to mainstream consumer audiences. Demonstrated at the NextGen Home at CES 2007, attendees will have their first chance to see and buy the ConnectedLife.Home package.

Powering the solution is an HP Digital Entertainment Center that enables users to record and view TV shows anywhere in the home and enjoy other digital content such as photos, music or videos. Life|ware software from Exceptional Innovation centralizes the system to automate other household functions like lighting, thermostats and surveillance. The package will be available for purchase by calling Best Buy at +1 866 597 8426 and on Best Buy�s website at www.bestbuy.com .

�The digitization of content and the migration to IP delivery, trends in service provider competition, the growth of broadband at home, and advancements in digital home platforms are all driving the consumer�s need for connected entertainment networks,� said Kurt Scherf, vice president, principal analyst, Parks Associates. �HP understands this growing trend and is building connectivity into all of its products so users can easily bring digital content into the living room, kitchen or on the road.�

Digital photos bring the high-def lifestyle into focus

The new Snapfish PictureMover tool is a downloadable desktop client that allows members to effortlessly transfer photos from their digital cameras or memory card readers to both their PCs and Snapfish accounts. For typical users, the tool eliminates at least 11 steps from the transfer process, bypassing the standard upload process and saving valuable time.

HP further expanded its digital photography portfolio with the HP Scanjet G4050 and G4010 Photo Scanners, which provide six-color photo scanning with exceptional color accuracy for photos, slides and negatives. Additionally, the HP Scanjet G3010 Photo Scanner provides photo, film and document scanning with one of the highest resolutions available at this scanner�s price, making it one of the most competitive home scanning products worldwide.

Enabling consumers to do even more with their photos, HP has announced its sponsorship of the �Making the Cover� website through Time Inc. Between now and Feb. 7, consumers can go to www.makingthecover.com where they can upload their personal photos to the covers of Time� Magazine, Entertainment Weekly� Magazine, Sports Illustrated� Magazine and People� Magazine to be printed and shared with family and friends. CES attendees also can take advantage of this in the HP booth.

Pricing, availability and support

HP allows consumers to enjoy a worry-free digital entertainment experience with HP Total Care, a comprehensive service and support program that was recently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for consistently providing an �An Outstanding Customer Service Experience.�(4)

More information on HP�s new products and services, including pricing and availability, is available at www.hp.com/go/CES2007 . Products will be available online at the HP Home and Home Office Store ( www.hpshopping.com ) as well as major retail outlets.   (Source: Press Release)

Sneak Peak TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Tablet PC

The New TabletKiosk Sahara i440 Series Slate Tablet PC being announced at CES 2007 comes in three versions and runs Windows Vista.

The Sahara i440D series looks good, feels good in your hands, has a 1.83 GHz Intel Core� Duo processor, up to 4.0GB of memory, Biometrics, Bluetooth, Intel� Pro 3945 802.11a/b/g networking, stereo speakers, an Dual Digital Microphone Array and a PCIMICA SLOT!!!

Below are some sneak peak photos of the Sahara i440D charging on the sofa in my hotel room - The full specs are below and after CES I'll post a "First Look " review of the pre production machine with more details. (Source Linda A. Epstein, TabletPC2.com)