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Eee Top ET1602, an all-in-one touch-screen computer that boasts the full functionality of a regular desktop PC.


Equipped with 15.6" five-wired resistive touch panels, the new Eee Top ET1602 enables users to manage what they see onscreen by applying direct pressure with their fingertips. The 15.6" widescreen (16:10) LCD, bolstered by Eee Splendid Video Intelligence Technology ensures the Eee Top's display remains vivid regardless of environmental lighting. It also features integrated Hi-Fi speakers and SRS TruSurround HD technology.

The Eee Top ET1602 touch-screen computer is quick and simple to set up - just attach a power cord, and it's ready for use. Catering to users new to Windows who would appreciate the simplicity afforded by an icon-driven, touch-and-select interface, Eee Top ET1602 features an exclusive Easy Mode within Windows that allows users to locate and access commonly-used applications easily within streamlined and readily-accessible menus. This makes Windows immediately intuitive to users with the most meager of computing experience, including children.


Contributing to the Eee Top's simplicity of use are its preinstalled applications like Eee Memo, that enables users to write messages for their family members on desktop 'stickies' with just their fingers. SoftStylus allows them to input text without requiring a physical keyboard - it recognizes handwriting and also offers a virtual keyboard as an alternative. Surfing the Internet is also possible without a mouse, with Opera Touch enhanced for touchscreen use that supports drag-and-drop functions, widgets and 'speed dialing'.

Tying in all of the Eee Top ET1602 touch-screen computers' multimedia capabilities is Eee Cinema, a full-featured multimedia center that enhances the user's enjoyment of photos, videos, music and movies. Offering a user interface that is akin to that found in consumer set-tops, Eee Cinema puts the ability to browse, select and play all of the user's media at his or her fingertips.


To fit full functionality into a sleek casing, the Eee Top ET1602 is economaical with space. The system's carrying handle, also serves as a keyboard holder and the cooling system - known as ASUS Tranquiller Technology - utilizes an optimized blend of astute air flow design, quiet fans and unique heat dissipation materials to ensure that the system stays cool while operating at an extremely quiet 26 dB.

Albert Tung, Managing Director, ASUS (India), said, "With the launch of Eee Top ET 1602, ASUS has introduced its touch screen based technology in India and we are very much optimistic about making this technology popular amongst our potential customers in India. In India ASUS is planning to create a different niche in the PC market which will be catered to by launching different innovative and technologically advanced products from ASUS. Having complete faith on the innovative products that are churned out of the ASUS' Research & Development laboratories; we aim to be amongst the leading PC vendors in India by the year 2012."

"Once again, ASUS' Eee family has come out with a very revolutionary product-Eee Top, a desktop PC with touch screen technology. Eee Top is an exclusive product and is targeted at children and elders who are yet to be introduced to computing devices. With its unique touch screen technology, Eee Top provides a comfortable platform for computing to the new age family." said Mr. Vinay Shetty, Country Head, Components Business, ASUS (India).

The Eee Top ET1602 will available at an MRP of Rs. 44,000 and comes with a two year warranty.

Securitas have announced a new cooperation regarding mobile services for personal security and every day safety.

By combining the main competencies of companies within security and mobility, Securitas and Nokia plan to cooperate by introducing attractive and affordable security services in Nokia mobile devices. GPS enabled mobile devices are soon to be as common as the camera making this a mass market service.

The service Securitas Safe-2-Go makes it possible to, for example, get help in an exposed situation, but also gives increased security through information regarding the location of friends and family.

Securitas Safe-2-Go initially contains four services.

- Assist where you can - With the touch of a button, get connected to Securitas alarm central which has information about who is connecting, where this person is located and which people related to the person need to be contacted
- Find - where you can get the current position on where friends are located.
- Zone - where you receive an SMS if someone leaves or comes into a predefined area, like a school or a home.
- Friends - which gives an overview of where all friends are located.

Securitas Safe-2-Go will be launched commercially during the first half of 2009 in Sweden and be launched in other European countries later during 2009.

Securitas will now be offering services, which will work in all GPS enabled phones based on the S60 platform. This way it will possible to reach a large customer base of mobile users who can increase the personal security and create safety in everyday life in an easy and affordable way.

reporting that a new Trojan horse capable of infecting the Apple Mac OS X platform is doing the rounds.

The Trojan, being called "iWorkServices" or "iServices", has been distributed via BitTorrent inside a pirated version of Apple's new iWork '09 suite.

Hackers have used a pirated version of iWork '09 as a "host" for the malware, just as Apple has loosened up anti-piracy protection in the package.

While previous versions of Apple iWork required users to enter a serial number when installing from CD ROM, the new version allows users to install the software on as many computers as they like - without apparent repercussion.

Malware affecting Apple Macs is much less frequently encountered than it is by Windows-using counterparts.

Dell introduced the Inspiron Mini 12 netbook in India.


The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 will be available through select Croma Stores in India before the end of January fo Rs. 31,000 .

"The Mini 12 is designed specifically for mobile, hi-def lifestyles" said Girish Mehta, Director of Consumer Marketing, Dell India. "With its slim lightweight design and 12" widescreen display, the Mini 12 is the ideal on-the-go Internet companion for today’s mobile generation".


With a starting weight of 1.24kg and only 0.92 inches thick, current standard features on the Inspiron Mini 12 include Windows XP Home, built-in webcam, 1GB of RAM and 80 GB hard drive. It also features built-in Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless and a 12.1-inch WXGA display.

-Specs Inc. is a company that is trying combine high-tech and high-fashion in user-friendly consumer electronics. Their offering is Bluetooth-enabled eyewear that combines the best possible acoustic technology for noise cancellation and voice quality in mobile communications with acoustically enhanced, premium stereo sound for a better MP3 music experience. This is not the first time, of course, that a company has tried to incorporate technology into eyewear. Other examples are VuZix iWear and MyVu.


TriSpecs are styled glasses that use STEP Labs’ noise elimination acoustic technology. They combine dual microphones, dual speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity in a mobile accessory which aims to produce the best voice quality and intelligibility on the market.

“Beyond the form and function of these glasses, their performance is without equal,” said Isaac Levy, CEO of Tri-Specs, Inc. “Once you try them, you’ll know why TriSpecs are a must-have accessory in every wireless and fashion accessory manufacturer’s product line.”


TriSpecs integrate the patented STEPvoice software from STEP Labs. STEPvoice uses the physics of sound propagation to define the shape and arrival time of sound waves to isolate voice signals from undesired noises. STEP Labs’ software is able to tell the difference between the wearer’s voice and other voices, sounds, and noises, preserving the natural fidelity of the voice and producing near-perfect voice recognition performance, and impeccable noise cancellation.


“The form factor of TriSpecs glasses allowed our acoustic engineers to design a dual-microphone solution that produces an unbelievable Bluetooth headset experience,” said Michael Hickerson, President of STEP Labs.

TriSpecs sunglasses are available with a variety of features, styles, and colors and feature -

• Power turns on by extending the in-ear speakers
• Voice prompts and voice dialing for easy, hands-free use
• Instant, dynamic volume to compensate for noise changes in the environment
• Retractable standard ear bud speakers or upgrade with in-ear barrel speakers
• One-touch activation of phone calls
• MP3 and call control buttons on the arms of the glasses
• Available in black, white, and metallic with optional designs and style elements
• Supports Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, backward compatible with 1.2, A2DP, AVRCP, GAVDP

The company promises the following for battery life - 7hrs of talk time, 5hrs for music and 70hrs standby. The firmware of the device can also be upgraded when connected to the PC via the built-in microUSB slot.


There’s no official pricing though a few reports state that the glasses would cost a little less than Rs. 9,800 ($200). Availability is also yet to be disclosed.

View Specifications

Enter, the Big Daddy of all phones! The E90 may look like and perhaps feel like any other communicator, but is it really? The answer is a resounding NO! The previous models, although still quite popular in many arenas has nothing on this baby. With a combination of elegance, style and a sturdy demeanor, the new addition to the business i.e. "E" class of Nokia phones has promised to overshadow its predecessors. But whether or not it can actually live up to that is what we’re here to find out. So let's get to it.

Form Factor
Although the design is quite like any Communicators of yore, this one has a few upgrades. For example this is the first to have a fully functional ‘External Phone’ with a 16million color display and a resolution of 240x320 pixels. The reason I refer to it as an ‘External Phone’ is simply because it pretty much looks like any other Nokia phone inside some sort of shell. Whatever a normal S60 phone can do, the outer phone can do as well. No exceptions this time. This may also be the first time Nokia has placed the power switch on the side of the screen rather than on top.

The rear houses the 3.2 megapixel, Auto-Focus camera with a flash and the speakers. At the very bottom you'll notice a little flap, which is where the microSD card can be inserted. All you have to do is slide it open and insert the card. The bottom is where you’ll find the mini USB (2.0), charger pin and a 2.5mm earphone socket. What’s most noticeable are the two steel hinges. This is another factor that sets the E90 apart from the previous models. The steel hinges make the phone a lot sturdier and add a certain rugged appeal to it. On the side are 2 keys. The one on the top is a dedicated voice recorder key, and the one at the bottom just below the infrared sensor, is the shutter release key for the camera. However, it's not a dedicated key to activate it which is quite odd.

Flip it open and this is where all the magic happens. The large internal screen is what this phone is all about with a crystal clear resolution of 800x352 pixels and 16 million colors. On the sides of this fabulous screen are 2 pairs of keys. On the right just underneath the secondary camera is a set of call take and end keys and on the other side of the screen is a set of soft keys. But I don’t like the positioning too much as they’re a bit too far from the nav-pad, so you end up having to adjust your hold every now and again when selecting options.

The Full QWERTY keypad makes the E90 look like a miniaturized laptop. At the very top of the keypad Nokia has graciously provided us with direct shortcut keys to various functions and one key to call your own (Open key). There’s also a separate key to switch on the keypad light when it's dark and on the other side of the keypad is a five way Nave-Pad. So that’s it for the design of this big boy. Let's see what he’s capable of doing.

announced its latest personal navigation handset with inbuilt GPS - The new HTC Touch Cruise. The handset is an update to 2008’s HTC GPS device of the same name. This one however, boasts a new, more compact design and a host of new capabilities.


The new HTC Touch Cruise is the first mobile phone to offer HTC Footprints, an application experience that enables people to permanently chronicle their special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their phone. Once captured, Footprints provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of a favorite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific geographical location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS co-ordinates, Footprints also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area. Geo-Tagging in a whole new way!

Flipping back through their photos, HTC Touch Cruise users will be able to retrace their steps to that exact location in just a few touches. Unlike other devices with geo-tagging functionality, HTC Footprints works effectively outdoors and indoors, offering a more accurate record of location for future reference and navigation.


"Just as we have seen GPS technology transform how people navigate to new places, we are now seeing location-based applications like HTC Footprints changing how we interact and carry our memories," said Peter Chou, President and CEO, HTC Corporation. The HTC Touch Cruise is also an advanced in-car navigation system. When placed into its accompanying car cradle, the HTC Touch Cruise automatically transforms its user interface into an easy-to-use, one-touch interface that provides seamless turn-by-turn directions.

The handset's features include -

• Connectivity: WCDMA/HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
• Operating system: Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Qualcomm Chipset MSM7225, 528 MHz
• 512 MB flash ROM, 256 MB RAM microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
• 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
• 4-Way navigation wheel with Enter
• 3.2 megapixel camera with fixed focus
• Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• Wi-Fi
• Mini-USB 2.0

The new HTC Touch Cruise will be available to customers across all major global markets in spring 2009. There’s no pricing mentioned yet.

September of 2008 we had informed you of two possible E-Series handsets the E75 and E72. The images that were out back then were not too great and the video soon disappeared as well. The latest scoop is in the form of leaked images of the handset.


The source of the images – Dailymobile.se somehow managed to get a hold of the device and has showered us with plenty of good angles. Take a look –


The handset features -

• 2.8-inch QVGA TFT LCD
• Symbian S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 (FP2) OS
• Slide out QWERTY Keypad (not very unlike the E90’s)
• 3G, Wi-Fi, EDGE/GPRS, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• USB 2.0
• MicroSD card support

There’s no official word on when the handset will be out and no price tag either.

The W595 is a simple upgrade to some of Sony Ericsson’s other Walkman handsets. In fact you might say it’s the same as an earlier model the W890, only in a different form factor. The Specs are almost identical with a few minor distinctions. Take a look.

Form Factor
I’m not crazy about the color of the handset I got in for testing. The glossy red lines and white body give it a very distinctive girly feel. But thankfully, if you’re of the same opinion, the handset is also available in Jungle Grey, Lava Black, Active Blue, and Peachy Pink aside from this Cosmopolitan White. The design is sleek and slender with a smooth slider mechanism. The W595 is equipped with a 2.2-inch TFT LCD display with a light sensor (that’s quite erratic) and a 240 x 320 pixel 256K color resolution. The navigation system and keys are a little too close together on the same level. This is a bit of an issue as you’ll sometimes end up hitting the wrong key if you have pudgy fingers like me. I also believe that the keypad could have been a bit larger although I have no problem with the design.

Once again Sony has gone with their proprietary USB/Charging/handsfree port that will allow you to use the handset for one function at a time. It’s a good thing that the handset charges through USB in this case. There’s no dedicated camera key for the 3.2 megapixel camera, just a Walkman button for shake control. If you’re under the impression that the same key will activate the audio player you’d be wrong. I even held it for few seconds and it did nothing. A set of volume/zoom keys are located on the same side.

The W595 is a decent looking handset, and I can only say that because I have seen the other colors, but one of the biggest pains is that it has no hot swap for the M2 card (2GB included) and removing the rear panel for ANY reason is not something I recommend as it has the highest potential for the plastic clasps to break. It’s tough enough to break a nail. I think this is what SE hopes will be your final mobile that you’ll never ever want to change. The panel is so tightly wedged in that it’s a deterrent for anyone who could ever have the inclination of removing the battery for one reason or another.

Features and Performance
Interface
There’s absolutely nothing new with the interface. It’s still quite vibrant, colorful and animated as any of the other SE handsets. So I can say, in compassion, it’s not slow but it’s not fast either. One of the biggest problems was, as I mentioned earlier, the very erratic light sensor. It seemed like all the ambient light surrounding our world was going a little nuts and hence caused the display to constantly become brighter and dimmer alternatively. Although the handset has an accelerometer, it’ll only function for web pages and the media menu. That means you’ll be constantly turning the handset one way or another for viewing.

video and multimedia generation of today, a large screen is a pre-requisite and with large displays, 'touchscreen' is exactly what you’ll need for navigation. So, for you mobile maniacs interested in multimedia handsets designed with that specification in mind, here are few choices under a Rs. 20,000 budget.

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic– Rs. 19, 990


Nokia’s answer to the iPhone craze was to create one of their own from their loyal fan base and the 5800 XpressMusic was the answer. Stirring up hype before the official launch and making an appearance in the Dark Knight movie made it all the more appealing. The handset features a 3.2-inch touch screen display, microSD card support and a standard 3.5mm earphone socket. It's also equipped with an accelerometer for auto-screen rotation, handwriting recognition and a 3.2 megapixel camera. For connectivity the 5800 is also stocked with Stereo Bluetooth, USB (micro) 2.0, GPRS/EDGE, 3G (HSDPA) support, Wi-Fi, GPOS with A-GPS and TV out.

Samsung F480 – Rs. 18,300


The F480 TouchWiz handset is a slim sleek device that’s equipped with a 5 megapixel AF camera LED flash and a range of camera features that include – Face detection and anti-shake. The handset is equipped with a 2.8-inch touchscreen display and uses Samsung proprietary UI that won’t really require the use of a stylus. It offers full multimedia capabilities that include audio and video playback, voice recording and an integrated FM radio. It’s ready for 3G when it gets here and in the meantime supports GPRS and EDGE. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and USB 2.0. MicroSD cards can be used for external memory.

Form Factor
The 9500’s build quality exudes a certain sturdiness with slim chromed lines and who can miss that brilliant 3.5-inch SurePress touchscreen display that is anything but conventional and clearly visible even in broad daylight. It sports a resolution of 360 x 480 (184ppi) pixels and 65k colors with an accelerometer for screen rotation. Though it's 3G ready, video calling might be a bit of a problem considering there’s no secondary camera. The 3.2 megapixel AF camera comes with a single LED for a flash and is located at the back.


On one side of this slim device (that we thought to be a lot thicker from the previews) is a 3.5mm standard earphones socket, volume keys and a dedicated camera key. A customizable key that’s usually set to Voice Command is located on the other side with a micro USB port. Even though there seemed to be plenty of place for a hot swap slot, the Storm, like all other BlackBerry devices has its microSD card slot located under the rear panel (1GB card included with support for up to 16GB). It seems that RIM just refuses to do it any other way. Below the display are the traditional BlackBerry menu and Escape keys in between the call take (also used to access the dial pad) and the call end keys.


It’s a bit on the heavy side though (155g) and if you shake it, you actually hear the display move. There’s also a slight visible gap all around the screen. I’m not entirely sure how we feel about that. Nevertheless it’s still a good looking piece of hardware.

Features and Performance
Interface
Running on a BlackBerry OS with a 624 MHz CPU the Storm is decently quick, but like most other touchscreen handsets, it does have a few kinks that need to be worked out. There’s sometimes a bit of lag when it comes to typing in certain fields. The display uses what we’d like to call ‘Tap-Screen’ technology that basically implies you’ll have to actually press keys on the screen just like you would a normal physical keypad with buttons. You can still swipe your finger over the screen for navigation though and this is one of the better features of the handset.


It has no support for handwriting recognition as it has no stylus for the same but there are three types of keypads – Sure-type, alphanumeric and QWERTY that will by default show up when the handset is held in landscape. The accelerometer is not erratic but it is a bit too sensitive and there’s no control for that. It took us a little while to get used to the tap-screen display when using the keypads and like other similar touchscreen handsets you WILL end up hitting the wrong keys quite often till the action is mastered. The screen orientation will shift to landscape if turned to the left or the right.


We like the kind of technology the display on the Storm employs, though we do feel it could have been perfected by maybe having a larger screen. The 3.25-inch screen will do for now