The Asus Eee Pad Slider Android tablet is expected to launch this month and an Australian blogger has one of the first hands-on looks at the unique slate. The CarryPad blog today pointed me to Ritchie’s Room, which provides a full first look at this 10.1-inch Honeycomb tablet that comes with a twist, or rather a slide. The entire display can shift up at an angle, revealing a full QWERTY keyboard. That gives the tablet a laptop-like form factor when needed, in addition to the standard touchscreen slate use.

In addition to the always-attached keyboard, the Eee Pad Slider adds a full-sized USB port and microSD card slot for memory expansion. Adding these ports and the keyboard adds some bulk and weight, however; two things I’d say actually reduce the portability of the tablet. The slider is larger overall than the iPad or Galaxy Tab 10.1, for example, and at 31.3 ounces, weighs just under two pounds.

Yes, that’s still lighter than a notebook or netbook computer, but noticeably heavier than comparable tablets. From a design standpoint, Ritchie says the sliding mechanism on the tablet works well. It’s a spring loaded design that Ritchie claims is “very smooth action.” The screen angle is a fixed position, however; don’t expect to tilt the screen at different angles.

Maybe I’ll feel differently once I get an Eee Pad Slider to look at, but I’m not sold on the design for my personal needs. Honeycomb is a touch-driven interface, so your hands will be moving back and forth between the keyboard. Even though the travel looks looks small, it’s not ideal from a usability standpoint. With either the USB port or Bluetooth radio, you could add a mouse to address that problem, but that’s more to carry, which reduces portability even more. And the added weight of the keyboard and sliding mechanism is something buyers will be carrying the whole time, although they do gain a stand out of the design.

Again, perhaps the heavy slate will impress me when I see it for myself. And I’m not suggesting the Eee Pad Slider is a non-starter: It will surely appeal to some who don’t mind carrying a larger device in order to gain an integrated keyboard. My concern is that I’d be “carrying” the extra weight and size for the keyboard all the time, yet I’d likely be using the keyboard for a very limited amount of time. Folks that are supplementing a true slate with some type of wired or wireless keyboard would likely feel the opposite and for them, the Eee Pad Slider might press all the right buttons, assuming Google Android is their platform of choice.

Keyboard or not, I haven’t been impressed enough by any Android Honeycomb tablet to buy one for myself. I actually still prefer Android 2.3, or Gingerbread, on my lighter 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab. And that’s a problem that no keyboard will fix.

Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
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• The rise of tablets in the enterprise
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Being that doomsday and the robotapocalypse are nearing quickly, now seems an appropriate time to gaze into the future of laptop design, right? Well, maybe those anomalies aren’t actually around the corner, but you know us — we always fancy a warm cup of concept tea. Designer Park Hyun Jin over at Yanko recently posted some renders of the Fujitsu Lifebook X2, a laptop that allows for two orientations thanks to its four folds. The design features a full QWERTY keyboard that can used when the notebook is folded out in full, as well as a half-folded option with an onscreen keyboard, pictured above. Naturally, we’d love for this concept design to become a reality, but we can’t wrap our brains around the seam between the two screens. Well actually, we could probably get used to it.

Continue reading Conceptual Fujitsu Lifebook X2 folds into quarters, makes regular notebooks look lame

Conceptual Fujitsu Lifebook X2 folds into quarters, makes regular notebooks look lame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackberry’s innovative smartphones have long been the preserve of the power dressing professional types, who saw them as the ultimate corporate fashion accessory as much as an essential business tool. The Curve is one of a new breed of phones from Blackberry that is designed to take advantage of the everyday consumer’s demand for smartphone functionality and interesting looks. But can the Blackberry Curve make the jump from business to pleasure, in an already crowded and competitive market?

The Curve looks unmistakably Blackberry, with its wide body and the trademark full QWERTY keyboard laid out over dozens of keys. While this may be an acquired taste, it does mean that the Curve has a decent sized screen, and unusually for the majority of phones on the market, it’s landscape layout gives it quite a nice widescreen appearance. To help convince consumers that the Curve doesn’t take itself too seriously, it comes in a variety of different colors, although most will probably want to stick to the basic black.

The Curve has had a few cost-saving changes made to it, which also help to make it more appealing to the everyday user. Gone is the chrome trim in favor of a rubber one, and a trackpad has replaced the trackball seen on the business versions, but these changes don’t do anything to reduce the appeal of the look and feel of the Curve.

What the Curve lacks in connectivity features, it makes up for in usability. It has WiFi but no 3G or GPS, however this is Blackberry’s entry level smartphone, so it would almost be unfair to expect everything you’d find in the top mobiles. What the Curve does do well, is provide features that make the most of that QWERTY keyboard. Setting up one or more email accounts is simple, and using the Curve’s applications to keep in touch with your social networks couldn’t be easier.

Navigating around the Curve is nice and simple, thanks to Blackberry’s operating system and the user-friendly interface. You can add to the pre-installed apps thanks to the App World, and the music player is better than many would expect – the Curve even includes dedicated music control keys, to make it more appealing to consumers.

With the smartphone market dominated by the three or four big names, it looks like Blackberry is going to make the most of its business experience and provide a cheaper alternative that gives users what they want, in a way that lets them be a little different to the rest of the Apple, Google and HTC crowd.

Next : Blackberry Curve Deals

Nokia E71 Unlocked Phone with 3.2 MP Camera, 3G, Media Player, GPS with Free Voice Navigation, Wi-Fi, and MicroSD Slot–U.S. Version with Warranty (White)

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported. It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
• Quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and US 3G compatibility via 850/1900 UMTS/HSDPA plus GPRS/EDGE capabilities
• Access to corporate communication via Microsoft Exchange; full QWERTY keyboard; 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder; stereo Bluetooth; GPS with Nokia Maps; Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g); MicroSD expansion
• Up to 10.5 hours of GSM talk time, up to 400 hours (17 days) of standby time
• What’s in the Box: Handset, battery, charger, connectivity cable, headset, E-series lanyard, E-series pouch, user guide, quick start guide, and other documentation

Grey NAM Qwerty Smart Phone Unlocked Camera, Email, WIFI, VOIPThe latest email-optimized device from the Nokia E-Series, the sleek and slender Nokia E71 makes it easy to stay on top of your email inbox with a full QWERTY keyboard and support for corporate communication via Microsoft Exchange. It’s ready to run on 3G networks in the U.S. (850/1900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA), enabling fast downloads and streaming multimedia while on the go. It also includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, at home, and on the road from a variety of wireless hotspots.

The svelte stainless steel Nokia E71 keeps you mobilized with a broad range of personal and professional messaging needs. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 8 GB), built-in A-GPS and Nokia Maps application, and up to 10.5 hours of talk time on standard GSM networks. Free Ovi

Rating: (out of 106 reviews)

List Price: $ 449.99

Price: $ 225.00

The world of gadgets; widgets; gizmos keep on expanding as you get a bright opportunity to celebrate and perform exceptional functions with excellent performances. Here is a list of ten Gadgets that will leave you with an incredible experience. Pocket projectors; wii games; iPod accessories; smartphones; ps3 games and many more indeed!

1. Pocket Cinema V10 – 42″ Handheld Projector – Aiptek Pocket Cinema V10 is a 42 inch handheld projector ensuring that you relish the glorious video and digital experience with the special LCoS Optical Technology Developed by 3M. So make sure that you do not miss your favourite James Bond movie or the other funny videos. It also displays images from iPod, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Mobile Phones, and Game Consoles via the AV-Out.

2. Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 – With a magnificent 3-inch clear wide VGA display, a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body, Windows Mobile Inside and loads of other entertainment applications and features, Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 is the smart choice to make this Christmas!

3. Original NSD Powerball Neon Pro – Red – Here comes the fastest non-motorised ball on the planet – NSD Red Powerball Neon Pro. An amazing exercising device with insane fun and enthusiasm providing immense strength and power to your body. The Neon ‘Pro’ contains the same perfectly balanced rotor as found in the 250Hz model range but with the addition of 6 ultra intense LED’s which glow brightly when the gyro is activated.

4. Binary Clock – This new binary clock is an ideal choice for the so called nerds and geeks as it brings the desktop version available for “geeky humanoids”. The elegant and sleek silver coloured Binary Clock design with blue LEDs looks stunning.

5. Shure SE110 Sound Isolating Earphones – Black – Brilliant and rich music listening experience with balanced microspeakers, the new Shure SE100 sound isolating earphones is an amazing choice for music lovers. The design is exceptional and is considered being the most comfortable design ever as far as earphones go.

6. Joby Gorillapod SLR Camera Tripod – The Joby Gorillapod SLR will ensure impeccable shots this Christmas with its intuitive prehensile legs allowing you to capture the shots literally in any environment. Of course the best part is its easy set up anywhere and anytime as its compact quick-release plate makes setup a snap.

7. Motorola T505 Bluetooth in-Car Speakerphone with Digital FM Transmitter – Motorola’s brilliant speakerphone allows you to take calls easily and listen to your kind of music when you’re driving with not to forget about the built-in digital FM transmitter with the help of which you can hear the tune louder and clearer.

8. Pakuma Akara Computer Back Pack K3 Black/Green with Brown Piping – Here is the Pakuma Akara Back Pack with the chest and waist straps being well padded capable of being adjusted to make a perfect fit with up to 17 ” widescreen display. CD wallet; MP3 pouch & headphone out port as also the external mesh pockets for bottles are included in the bag.

9. Parrot CK3100 Bluetooth Advanced Car Kit – Black – Parrot CK3100 is the most advanced and sought after hands free with its intelligent design, amazing functionality and gorgeous looks. The kit offers the facility to provide drivers with visual information and functions that they routinely use from their personal phone.

10. Nintendo Wii Music – Nintendo Wii Music lets you simulate more 60 different instruments with nothing more than the Wii remote and nunchuck and is fully spot on in the entertainment area. Six – person band, controlling those ushers a new phase to your gaming books.

• Affordable messaging phone with full QWERTY keyboard for easy typing on the go
• Compatible with AT&T’s EDGE data network; access to mobile email, text/picture messaging and instant messaging
• Bluetooth for handsfree devices; VGA camera for still photos; 64 MB memory (non-expandable); personal organizer
• Up to 5 hours of talk time, up to 250 hours (10+ days) of standby time
• What’s in the Box: handset, battery, charger, quick reference guide, user manual

Amazon.com Product Description
Nicely affordable and stylishly appointed with a bright orange case featuring an easy-to-grip soft-touch finish, the Samsung Magnet for AT&T is a great choice for messaging mavens thanks to its full QWERTY keyboard. You’ll be able to keep up with friends and family while on the go using text messaging, mobile email, and instant messaging via popular services including AOL, Yahoo! and Windows Live (messaging charges apply). Other features include a VGA camera for capturing still photos, Bluetooth for handsfree devices, speakerphone, support for downloadable Java applications, pre-loaded games, and up to 5 hours of talk time.

The Samsung Magnet is an easy-to-use, texting machine with full text, picture, video, and IM support.

Other features include Bluetooth for handsfree devices and a VGA camera for snapping still photos on the go. AT&T Service
This phone provides quad-band GSM coverage (850/900/180… More >>

Samsung Magnet a257 Phone, Orange