Boston-Power’s Next Generation Battery
Boston-Power has unveiled its new Sonata lithium-ion batteries for notebook computers. Problems regarding battery packs have been well-known for years by laptop users. Most users find that they would need to buy at least three batteries for the first years of their notebook computer.
“Sonata features enhancements in both performance and safety; its proprietary safety features include slower chemical kinetics, novel current interrupt devices, new thermal fuses, unique pressure relief vents and safer pack configuration.”
These batteries are said to have the industry’s fastest recharge time – 30 minutes to recharge to 80 percent capacity. This would be a great advantage for users who don’t have the time. Another great thing is that these batteries have been designed to match the lifetime of a notebook computer, which theoretically means you don’t need to buy new batteries. And to top it all off, these batteries can be used with existing notebook computers.
Apple Announces Core 2 Duo MacBook
Following the much-anticipated upgrade of the MacBook Pro to Intel Core 2 Duo, Apple has announced that its upcoming batch of MacBooks (non-Pro) are loaded with upgraded specs: double the standard RAM, larger hard disc capacity, better optical drives, and most important, Core 2 Duo processors.
With prices starting at just $1,099, the new MacBook lineup includes three models: sleek white 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook models, and a stunning black 2.0 GHz MacBook model. With Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processors, the new MacBook is up to 25 percent faster than the previous MacBook and up to six times faster than the iBook(R), making it even easier for consumers to manage and enjoy their digital content with iLife ‘06.* Consumers will also benefit from the added power in the new 2.0 GHz models, including double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a double-layer SuperDrive(TM) for burning professional-quality DVDs.
The new MacBooks sell for the same SRPs as the first-generation MacBooks so if you’re planning on buying a MacBook, it’s best to hold off until you’re sure you get the Core 2 Duo variety. Also, this means there will be cheaper Core Duo (first-gen) MacBooks for sale either on Apple’s refurb store or in the aftermarket.
OLPC Update
Around two weeks ago we heard that the people in charge of OLPC have changed the computer from the name of 2B1 to XO, and now there is new news.
First up is news from Brazil, where IDG Now! Brasil reports that the country will receive 50 test laptops from OLPC, making it the first nation to have actual, live, working models. Meanwhile, across the world in Thailand, the whole notion of a $100 laptop has now become a bit less attractive to the new military government. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was a big fan of NickNeg’s pet project, but sadly, his countrymen kicked him out of office in September, making Thailand somewhat of a tough sell now. iTeau, a Thai blogger, adds that Thailand’s new information and communication technology minister has said that he doesn’t think that XO will work, and has ridiculed it as a “toy.”
What a mess. I really had high hopes for the project, as I think while it does not fix disease, or hunger, it provides a tool for education, knowledge, and communication, which are in my mind, components for creating a more forward thinking society.
via Engadget
Sony Aplogizes for Battery Problems
Sony has publicly apologized for the woes consumers and laptop manufacturers have experienced because of faulty Lithium-Ion batteries sourced from the company. Worries over battery packs over-heating and catching fire have led several laptop manufacturers including Dell, Apple, Lenovo and Fujitsu to conduct major recall and replacement programs for affected laptop batteries.
AP reports that Sony seems to have been reluctant to admit its faults. This is apparent with how the company executives acted during the press conference, in which they bowed lightly while seated. In contrast, it is a practice by executives of Japanese companies to bow deeply while standing up when they make public apologies.
In particular, Sony claims that the battery problem is not actually a safety issue, but it has grown to be a social one. The company stands by its earlier statement that the battery packs only overheat in rare cases, and when handled a certain way, and that they have launched the voluntary recall program to show their willingness to ensure the safety of laptop consumers.
Still, for avid laptop users like ourselves, any possibility of danger being caused by potentially flammable parts deserves attention by the manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Sony expects this issue to hurt the company’s bottomline, affecting the Japanese economy in general, too. Sony has offered other concessions, too, such as slashing prices of its upcoming PlayStation3 console in the Japanese market. Analysts predict, however, that Sony will be able to weather this storm and still come out to be a strong player in the portable power industry, especially because there are only a few competitors in that field.
Core 2 Duo Apple MacBook Pro Now Available
The rumors that Apple will not be able to use Core 2 Duo processors on its laptops because of legal issues did not run true, after all. Apple has announced that all its new MacBook Pros now feature Intel Core 2 Duo processors.
The entire MacBook Pro line of notebooks now includes the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor and delivers performance that is up to 39 percent faster than the previous generation. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals.
The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is already shipping, while the new 17-inch version will start shipping next week.
Liebermann Computers Fake Quad-Core Laptop
Better known by many people as L Computers, Liebermann Computers has put up a new page for a too good to be true notebook with a Quad-Core CPU, and 12 hours of battery life.
Totally rediculous, but here are some details from their press release:
Based on Intel’s Quad-Core Processors and featuring all-round PCI-Xpress bus architecture, Liebermann showed off concept PC designs featuring design approaches to soon be integrated in its upcoming portable computing product line. The new blueprints, include the first keyboardless series laptop machines, replaced with a large secondary full-color and fully programmable high-resolution touch screen OLED display.
OLED-based virtual keyboards can be reconfigured as needed as a programmable high-resolution multi-function flat-panels.
Aside from next-generation PuRAM Solid State Drive Technologies largely improved in I/O and transfer speeds allied to record breaking low power consumption figures and extended long-term reliability, the new laptops may equally also feature new power sources like hot-swappable fuel cell batteries based on both hydrogen or methanol designs, providing up to 24 hours of continuing power and indefinite runs without any need for direct electrical recharging.
It is fun to dream, but you shouldn’t be trying to sell the dreams to people.
$100 Laptops on Test Run
Quanta Computer, which the One Laptop Per Child project has contracted to produce the low-cost notebook computers for students in developing countries, has started test production of their low-cost laptops. Initial runs of the computers, which OLPC intends to sell for $100 each in bulk, should be available by November.
DigiTimes Systems cites a source within Quanta Computer for the information:
Recent reports that Libya placed an order for 1.2 million US$100 notebooks has come as a confidence boost to the project, the sources said. The project has raised doubts about where demand for the notebooks will come from. But the order from the Mideast nation, which is not from one of the originally targeted markets, shows that demand will be coming not only from such emerging markets as Brazil, China, India, Russia, Africa or Eastern Europe, the sources remarked.
Quanta president Michael Wang stated in August that the company has set a shipment goal of 10 million units for the US$100 notebook project for a period of 12 months starting from the first quarter of 2007 when shipments actually start.
Free Wi-Fi in Airports
Travelling can be such a hassle sometimes if you can’t connect to the Internet, but at many airports in the US and abroad, you can find areas that are covered by wonderful Wi-Fi high speed internet access.
Wi-Fi Free Spot has such a list of which airports have Wi-Fi and where you can find it, as well as a short tip for travellers needing to connect.
A Pilot has told me that most FBO’s (Fixed Base Operators are the service stations for corporate aircraft) which are located at almost all airports large and small are offering unrestricted WIFI service in their facilities. Go to the general aviation facility for any airport, ask where corporate aircraft arrive and depart, go into the facility and ask them if you can use the WIFI capability. Most of these FBO’s have waiting areas and some provide separate computer rooms (like a large phone booth) as well as the ability to print.
via Gizmodo
Toshiba May Want Money from Sony
After dealing with every major manufacturer recall their Sony made batteries, Sony might have a new problem on their hands, the other companies want money.
Toshiba, has basically said that they would like to seek compensation related to the aftermath of the whole recall craziness. Toshiba also is claiming that the batteries hurt their brand and reputation thusly hurting future sales.
The important thing will be to see if Toshiba gets any blood money because if they do, everyone else will be right their to get some as well. And with the PlayStation 3 launch coming up, this is not what Sony will want to happen.
Source: Yahoo
Almost Half of all Computers Purchased were Macs
While that subject line might seem misleading, it is the truth for Princeton, where upwards of 45% of all computers purchased were Apple computers.
In 2003, when this year’s seniors arrived on campus, just 15 percent of them chose Macs. The next year, a quarter of incoming freshmen did, and the year after that, 38 percent. These statistics aren’t comprehensive, because some students choose not to buy their computers through OIT. Nonetheless, the upward trend is real. Macs are where it’s at.
Again, I feel that if I had known that Apple was going to shift into Intel CPU’s so quickly and Bootcamp was going to come out, I might have waited on getting this ThinkPad, and gone the Apple route. So it is not surprising to me that the popularity of Apple machines are up. What does surprise me is how fast it went from 15% to 45%. In less than three years they almost have half of Princeton students running around with the Apple symbol. I doubt any other single laptop producer can say that about Princeton.
Source: Daily Princetonian
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