Sun
MINI-NOTE 2140, HP
EEE TOP ET 1602, ASUS
PROPEL QUICK MESSAGING PHONE, SAMSUNG
MINI-NOTE 2140, HP, $549
If you’re getting the idea this is the year of the netbook, you’d be right. It wasn’t so long ago the choice was limited, but that is changing fast and HP’s 2140 has just been added to the lineup in Canada. Pricewise, it’s not among the entry-level offerings, but it offers the 10-inch LED screen that seems to be a good mid-size for users who aren’t ready to downsize to the eight-inch and smaller netbooks. It also has a 92-per-cent full-size keyboard favoured in netbooks of this size. Weight is a big factor with these little computers since many people are trying to get away from the back-breaking chore of lugging around a laptop, and the 2140 comes in at a respectable 1.19 kilograms. Netbook searchers also note there are renewed rumours of a mini-notebook or tablet with a touch screen coming from Apple, but don’t get out your credit card just yet. Meanwhile, more on HP’s mini-note 2140 at www.hp.com/personal
EEE TOP ET 1602, ASUS, $600 US
A 15.6-inch touch screen combines with an Intel Atom-based system in the new Top ET 1602 computer announced this month for North American dealers. It lends itself to easy video-phone functionality over Skype with an integrated Web cam, wireless connectivity, and Eee Cam software for custom photo messages and YouTube videos. A companion external DVD drive is optional at $64 US. It has a built-in handle and weighs 4.5 kilograms so while not exactly a portable machine, it is easy to carry from room to room. A camera card reader, lots of USB ports, and touch-optimized Opera browser add to its billing as a multimedia hub. usa.asus.com
PROPEL QUICK MESSAGING PHONE, SAMSUNG, $50 WITH CONTRACT, $250 WITH NO CONTRACT
A full QWERTY keyboard slides out to make this a handy messaging phone. Plus it has a 1.3-megapixel camera with video capture. Its MobileMe e-mail, instant messaging, SMS (short message service) and MMS (multimedia messaging service) makes this a phone for those who’d rather type than talk — although it does that as well. MicroSD memory is expandable up to eight GB. In a red/white or black/blue colour combo, at Rogers. www.rogers.com.
DS-3400 DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER/DICTATION TOOL, OLYMPUS, $500
Geared for medical and legal users who need a reliable and high-featured dictation machine, the DS-3400 comes with a large backlit LCD screen. Conserves batteries to offer up to 32 hours of recording time. Customizable smart buttons, USB 2.0 high-speed for fast uploading and downloading of files, and a verbal comment function that can help if someone is transcribing another’s dictation. The language on the screen is customizable for English, French or Spanish.
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