Asus Linux Menlow Based UMPC

The next generation of mobile devices will be built on Intel's new Menlow platform which will be more power efficient than the company's current , a.k.a. McCaslin. The McCaslin platform uses 90 nanometer Stealey 600MHz (A100) and 800MHz (A110) processors coupled with the 945GU Express chipset and ICH7U southbridge.

Menlow, on the other hand, will use new 45 nanometer Hi-k low-power Silverthorne processors and the Poulsbo chipset. Other features included on the Menlow platform are 802.11n wireless technology, 3G and WiMAX for extended broadband coverage. Leaked shots have finally appeared late in the week of Asus' heavily anticipated Linux based 'ultra mobile PC': the R3. Eagle-eyed snappers at Navigadget spotted it during an Adobe presentation for its AIR

Smallest and Lightest Rugged Laptop Computer

General Dynamics has unveiled a "smallest, lightest rugged notebook computer" that is designed to meet "the portability and durability needs of industrial, commercial, military and government customers." The rugged PC comes encased in magnesium alloy clamshell case with impact absorbing bumpers and features a shock-mounted display. The 5.6-inch GoBook MR-1 is based on Intel "Napa" chipset and packs 1.2GHz Core Solo U1400 processor, 1GB RAM, 3D Intel Extreme Graphics with 128MB memory, up to 6 hours of battery life, max 80GB hard drive (optional 32GB solid state disk), and XP Pro or Vista.

It also provides WLAN, PAN, GPS, WWAN, fingerprint reader, TPM 1.2, and file/folder locking capabilities. Regarding ruggedness and durability, the GoBook MR-1 is resistant to high temperatures, drops, and vibrations, and protected

Medion Dives Into UMPC Space

Progressive German PC manufacturer Medion continues to branch out into new areas with the launch of its debut UMPC. The Ultra Mobile PC by the Medion will definitely find it's way to many homes because of it's usability, thanks to integrated slide out keyboard and touch pad. The UMPC sports 6.5-inch touch screen with 800 X 480 resolution, up to 40GB of hard drive, and 512MB of RAM. The other features includes 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, integrated GPS, DVB-T tuner, and VGA web cam. It offers 4-5 hours of battery life, less then Samsung Q1b. I am not sure if it includes Windows XP or Windows Vista.  The 'UMPC RiM 1000' is a VIA rather than Intel based model using a C7-M 770 ULV CPU which Medion claims will bring increased battery life (though it didn't say how much) and it crams in a 6.5in LCD and 30GB HDD.

Panasonic ToughBook CF-08 Tablet PC-Like PDA Coming in May

ToughBook ' CF-08 ' be the company firstly is dedicated tablet and show it sorrow of Vista parties to Windows CE 50: low cost, low power, small footprint of OS operating below shared source model. The ToughBooks differ from most other notebooks by being, well, tough. Panasonic has built a reputation for itself by creating notebooks that can function in the most inhospitable environments

Panasonic will release the tablet PC-like rugged PDA device called ToughBook CF-08, Japanese web-site Impress reports. Along with 10.4-inch touch-sensitive 1024 x 768 display, Panasonic ToughBook CF-08 features Intel PXA270 processor at 312MHz, 64MB RAM and 64MB ROM memory, up to 14 hours of battery life and Windows CE 5.0.

The ToughBook CF-08 tablet is capable of withstanding a fall from as high as 1.2-meters and is water resistant. But the best thing about the body on the CF-08 is its resilience to liquid spills. Inside the chassis, the circuit board is completely sealed against water ingress, so if you happen to spill a glass of water over the screen while the machine is on, the liquid will simply drain through the bottom of the case. Having seen an Apple MacBook come out second best in a fight with a cup of coffee, I know how impressive this actually is.

HTC Shift UMPC Showcased

It seems like it wasn't too long ago that we were reporting on the introduction of the first UMPCs, but at IDF in San Francisco this week Intel unveiled reference designs for the next generation of UMPCs due to hit the streets between the end of this year and mid 2007. Among the improvements are reductions in physical size and reductions in power consumption. Notably absent in the units will be Intel's Core 2 Duos. Instead speculation is that the brains behind the diminutive braun will be ultra-low voltage Core Solos with 1MB of L2 cache. Hopefully Intel and UMPC manufacturers have learned from the first generation and will bring out products that will finally ignite the UMPC market. Sierra Wireless has collaborated with Intel to provide embedded 3G in Ultra Mobile PCs. The new hardware update will allow UMPC users to connect to high-speed wireless 3G networks growing worldwide.

"Sierra Wireless is pleased to collaborate with Intel to provide seamless 3G-enabled connectivity options for the UMPC platform," said Trent Punnett, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. "Bringing high-quality 3G connections to Ultra Mobile PC devices allows for true on-the-go applications. We believe this will lead to the development of many innovative mobile devices, and we look forward to working with our OEM customers to bring these leading edge products to market."

Smartphone maker HTC today showcased its first ultra-mobile PC, called HTC Shift, at CTIA Wireless show in Orlando, Florida. According to the reports, the HTC Shift will feature Windows Vista operating system, a 7-inch touch-screen display, a QWERTY keyboard and a 30GB hard drive.