Author Archive: Matt

More than 20 years in the IT industry. Blogging with a passion and thirst for new technology since 2005.

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By February 10, 2008 Read More →

Asus M930 pre-order

The folks at Clove just dropped me a line to tell me that another great Asus product is now available for pre-order. This time it’s the elegant looking Asus M930.

Asus M930

Asus M930

The M930 looks similar to the Nokia N90 but instead includes Windows Mobile 6 rather than Symbian OS.

The Asus M930 is your office on-the-go that’s high on class and style, and full of connectivity options and features. Boasting a full QWERTY keyboard and an ultra-wide screen, the M930 offers ease and efficiency of use.

The M930 has a stylish design, elegant screens with mirror reflective surface and sleek metal keys. A key design feature is the ergonomic free-stop flipping hinge that effortlessly fixes to any position and angle you prefer. When closed, the M930 offers great carrying ease with its compact body and slim side profile.

The Asus M930 benefits from a full QWERTY keyboard in a neat, narrow design, offering intuitive input that’s fast, easy and natural. Every character is in its rightful place, and speeds up everything from documents and presentations to emails and messaging. In addition, the M930 offers another input option with its numeric keypad for one-handed convenience.

The M930’s 2.6″ WQVGA landscape display makes the day-to-day content browsing, reading and writing of documents and messages that much easier on the eyes. With the ultra-wide screen and embedded webcam, you can enjoy enhanced Video Telephony with a wider, clearer and more detailed view.

Wireless connectivity is a strong feature of the ASUS M930 with GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA, Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi, you can enjoy faster downloads of documents, videos and MP3s with 3.5G high speed data transfers.

With the M930, you are assured of instant Internet access even in areas without Wi-Fi coverage. With the Quick Modem Setting, your M930 becomes a 3.5G modem in one quick step!

Asus M930 specification:

  • Operating System – Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Standard
  • Processor – TI OMAP 2431 450MHz
  • Memory – 256 MB Flash 64 MB SDRAM
  • Display – External 2.0″ TFT LCD screen 65,536 colors QVGA 240 x 320 pixels, Internal 2.6″ TFT LCD screen 65,536 colors WQVGA 400 x 240 pixels
  • Expansion Slot – Micro-SD, Supports SDHC
  • Connectivity – WLAN 802.11b g, USB v2.0CBluetooth 2.0 EDR
  • Networks – HSDPA 3.6Mbps, UMTS 2100, EDGE/GPRS/GSM 900/1800/1900; Class 10
  • WAP Browser – HTTP and WAP 1.2.1/2.0
  • Messaging – SMS/MMS/Email/MSN/Push E-mail
  • Battery – 1100mAh Lithium battery
  • Dimensions – 113 x 54 x 18.7 mm
  • Weight – 158g (W / Battery)
  • Form Factor – Clam Shell
  • PIM & Utilities – Tasks, Calendar, Voice Notes, Clock & Alarm, Calculator, Contacts, File Explorer, MSN
  • Camera Resolution – 2 Megapixels, Front Facing 0.3 Megapixels for Video Telephony

    • More details, including datasheets and posters can be found on Asus M930 pre order page on the Clove Technology site.

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: News
    By February 9, 2008 Read More →

    HP iPAQ 214 unboxed!

    Mark mentioned the HP iPAQ 214 Enterprise Handheld briefly last week and I must admit that I wondered if a ‘classic’ PDA design really had any place in todays market when you can have a mobile device, that will take a SIM card, that can do the job just as well. However, judging by your emails and comments, there are still plenty of you out there that are looking for a decent PDA with a large screen and where Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity is enough.

    On that basis then the iPAQ 214 seems to be a good device, has a large clear display and plenty of CPU power. We’ve got our ‘Enterprise Man’, John, reviewing the device at the moment so here is our unbox video:

    HP iPAQ 214 unboxed

    HP iPAQ 214 Specification:

  • Windows Mobile 6 Classic
  • 4” VGA display
  • WiFi 802.11 b/g
  • Bluetooth V2.0
  • 624MHz Processor
  • 128MB SDRAM/ 256MB ROM
  • 2200 mAh battery
  • SD and Compact Flash Slot
  • 126mm x 76mm x 16mm
  • 192 grams

    • HP iPAQ 200 Series Enterprise Handheld is a powerful, large screen PDA with Wi-Fi, that is well-suited to run a broad range of business applications.

    Designed with business in mind, there is much to appreciate about the sophisticated design of the iPAQ 214.

    The iPAQ 214 has a large 4-inch TFT touch screen display for improved visibility in a variety of environments. Further expansion comes from the SDIO slot and USB connections making this device the ideal solution for communication and mobile office.

    Integrated IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking allows Internet and email access at the office or other Wi-Fi hot spots in airports, cafes and hotels. Whilst with Bluetooth, you can connect your iPAQ 214 to peripherals like headsets and keyboards.

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
    By February 8, 2008 Read More →

    Nokia considering Windows Mobile?

    According to a number of stories circulating on the web and through the Windows Mobile forums and blog sites, Nokia and Microsoft are currently ‘in talks’ and are believed to be discussing the possibility of Nokia using the WM platform on their mobiles.

    Microsoft’s mobile communications business international marketing director John Starkweather confirmed talks were taking place with Nokia but would not confirm when any announcement would be made.

    “They obviously have significant investments in Symbian but there are a lot of places where we have significant synergies and we would love to see the day where those synergies would extend completely with Windows Mobile,”

    Interestingly, Windows Mobile currently only has just over 6% of the smartphone operating system market compared to more than 70% for Symbian. However, it is gaining acceptance among smartphone manufacturers such as HTC and Samsung that have released Windows Mobile based handsets.

    If Nokia do decide to take Windows Mobile it should mean that WM is made available to many, many more people which could lead to more money in the develoment pot which would hopefully lead to better WM software and more developers out there!

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: Rumours
    By February 7, 2008 Read More →

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 unboxed

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 is the new digital SLR camera from Panasonic. We first saw the L10 at the Panasonic press event in London last September and we’ve finally managed to get our hands on a review model.

    The DMC-L10 comes equipped with a LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens designed specifically for a digital SLR camera to be sold as a kit, the DMC-L10K.

    The DMC-L10 features an advanced 2.5-inch free angle LCD for full time live view that offers 270 degree rotation and a versatile shooting style. A 10.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor provides the beautiful images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range. The superb image processor, Venus Engine III, boasts a high quality image rendering and high speed response.

    John is working on the review at the moment but for now here’s the unbox video:

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 unboxed

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 specification:

  • Interchangeable lens digital SLR camera
  • SD/SDHC memory card slot
  • Image sensor size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
  • 10.1 Mega pixels
  • ISO sensitivity: Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600
  • Light metering system: TTL Full Aperture Light Metering by 49 Zones Multi-pattern Sensing system
  • White balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash
  • Shutter speed: 1/4000
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 134.5 x 95.5 x 77.5mm
  • Weight: Approx. 480g(Body only)
  • Battery life: Approx. 450 images

    • Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
    By February 6, 2008 Read More →

    HTC Shift appears in Orange Feb pricebook

    You heard it here first, the HTC Shift appears in the Orange catalogue.

    You may recall that we mentioned that Orange were planning to start selling the HTC Shift in our post back in August of last year (Orange to Shift the HTC Shift). Today we received a tip from a reader saying that the HTC Shift now appears in the Orange Feb price list.

    The other thing that I have been told it that Orange are offering the device as a package complete with SIM, Contract and full support. However, I’m not sure how well Orange will cope supporting my Notebook PC!

    EDIT: According to one of my sources close to Orange, the Shift will hit Orange at about the £900 mark but you will have to sign up for their support contract as well as a data tariff. I’m waiting for details!

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By February 5, 2008 Read More →

    VITO Technology releases SMS-Chat

    We are often asked about SMS software for Windows Mobile and most of the time it would seem that the one thing that WM users are looking for is a threaded SMS messaging system. It was interesting then when VITO Technology dropped me a line to say that they had just released their SMS-Chat software.

    VITO Technology SMS-Chat

    VITO Technology SMS-Chat

    VITO Technology releases much expected SMS-Chat on its brand-new web site http://iwindowsmobile.com that brings threaded SMS to your Windows Mobile device.

    SMS-Chat is designed to give you total control over text messaging. Finger friendly interface and sparkling looks with animated menus result in extremely convenient and appealing user experience. Manage your mobile texting with a flick of a finger!

    A huge SMS fan? Then you are sure to know that SMS-Chat is something the whole Windows Mobile community was longing for. Even if you send short messages just once in a while to congratulate your friends, you’ll soon find out SMS-Chat is a perfect solution for you.SMS-Chat is a Windows Mobile SMS messenger that organizes your SMS correspondence into threaded SMS conversations. Isn’t it great to have a separate chat for every contact with whom you exchange short text messages, just like in your IM client? You can easily follow a conversation scrolling thru a chat with a finger: all messages are grouped by date. Chats with the most recent message always appear at the top.Moreover, SMS-Chat presents a number of useful features like multiple SMS messaging, resending, forwarding and deleting messages (you can also delete the whole chat). Imagine how easy it is going to be to congratulate all your friends at once next time holidays come around. You send a single message to all of them and watch replies in separate chats.The contact search is simplified with a filter that helps you find a contact in seconds by typing its name or number.
    You can also enjoy scrolling contact list with a finger.

    SMS-Chat is available for $14.95 at http://iwindowsmobile.com. SMS-Chat supports English, German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and Hebrew.

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: Apps & Games
    By February 4, 2008 Read More →

    MWg Atom Life unboxed!

    Last week I mentioned that MWg had just launched the Atom Life and this it was now for sale over at eXpansys. I’ve just managed to get my hands on an Atom Life for review and I’m working on the review at the moment. As you should be able to see from the unboxing video below, the Atom is an attractive looking WM phone with a pretty decent specification and is a device that I’m looking forward to putting through its paces.

    MWg Atom Life unboxed

    MWg Atom Life Specification

  • Windows Mobile 6.0 pro.
  • GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS1900, UMTS2100
  • CSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA
  • 624MHz Intel XScale PXA270 CPU
  • 1.9-megapixel CMOS camera
  • 2.7-inch 340×240-pixel LCD with 262,144 colours
  • 1024MB ROM; 64MB RAM
  • SDIO, miniSD expansion slot
  • FM Radio with RDS function
  • Bluetooth v1.2
  • WiFi 802.11b/802.11g
  • 1530 mAh Battery
  • 58 x 106 x 18.5mm
  • 145 grams

    • EDIT: The review is now online.

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
    By February 3, 2008 Read More →

    T-Mobile Launches the MDA Touch Plus

    Obviously, we have been coving the popular HTC Touch Dual for a while now and I know that many of you out there have been eagerly awaiting the UK launch of the T-Mobile version, the MDA Touch Plus.

    The good news is that the Touch Plus has finally arrived here in the UK and you can head over to the T-Mobile shop and place your order!

    T-Mobile MDA Touch Plus

    T-Mobile MDA Touch Plus

    From the press release:

    T-Mobile announces the hotly anticipated MDA Touch Plus in the UK. Featuring a new slender design with a large touch screen and sliding keyboard, the MDA Touch Plus is packed with the latest technologies to enable users to send emails, surf the Internet, listen to their favourite tunes and catch up with the latest TV programmes on the move.

    Combining an innovative TouchFlo screen with a handy slide-out keyboard, the device is stylishly designed to provide one of the best user experiences on the market. Navigation through emails, web pages, music and images has never been easier.

    Coupled with T-Mobile’s latest web’n’walk service and super-fast HSDPA mobile broadband technology, the MDA Touch Plus is set to provide a complete and personalised mobile surfing experience, as users will be able to explore any site on the Internet as they would on their PC. Not only this, but people will be able to watch a range of TV channels on the handset, from Sky Sports to MTV. Perfect for people who need to stay in touch with their colleagues, friends and family, the MDA Touch Plus also offers fast and simple access to emails on the move.

    There is also no need to carry around an MP3 player or digital camera, as the handset has these built-in. The 2 mega-pixel camera is ideal for people who want to zoom in and take photos or shoot films wherever they are, as well as editing images, creating slideshows and viewing favourite images at the touch of a finger. The front facing VGA camera is perfect for making video calls and the handset also comes with stereo Bluetooth functionality to give users a greater choice of how they listen to their music on the move. The MDA Touch Plus is also fully compatible with the CoPilot Live satellite navigation system – an ideal extra for busy people on the road.

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: News
    By February 2, 2008 Read More →

    Will Microsoft buy Yahoo?

    Microsoft has offered to buy the search engine company Yahoo for $44.6bn (£22.4bn) in cash and shares.

    The offer, contained in a letter to Yahoo’s board, is 62% above Yahoo’s closing share price on Thursday.

    Yahoo cut its revenue forecasts earlier this week and said it would have to spend an additional $300m this year trying to revive the company.

    It has been struggling in recent years to compete with Google, which has also been a competitor to Microsoft.

    According to its letter to Yahoo, Microsoft attempted to enter talks about a deal a year ago, but was rebuffed because Yahoo was confident about the “potential upside” presented by the reorganisation and operational activities that were being put in place at the time.

    So what are your thoughts on this? Will a Microsoft/Yahoo partnership be a good or bad thing for the average internet user or do you think that such a move will only make Microsoft into a bigger monster?

    Posted by: Simon

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    Posted in: News
    By February 1, 2008 Read More →

    JCB Toughphone

    Ok, perhaps this isn’t something that I would normally post about but I thought that the new JCB Toughphone was worth a mention and here’s why.

    If you look after the mobile phone account for a business, as I do, I’m sure there will be a few people in the organisation that for some reason just cant look after their phones and seem to break them every other week. Or have you been asked by someone to “get Bob a phone that’s robust cos he’s working on a building site so it needs to last”.

    If the above rings any bells with you then perhaps the new JCB Toughphone is the answer.

    JCB Toughphone

    JCB Toughphone

    The specification may seem a little basic, especially when compared to some of the phones we review on t&m but the JCB Toughphone is an incredibly rugged mobile phone which has been designed to work in the most challenging of environments. The Toughphone has been awarded the IP53 rating that makes it one to reckon with – being shock, dust, water and drop resistant as well as operational from -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C. In addition , the no quibble 3-year warranty, scratch resistant screen and high powered speakers combine to make this the most durable phone ever created.

    The JCB TOUGHPHONE is built for anyone who requires equipment they can depend on, ideal for construction workers, lorry drivers, farmers and foremen. Equally, the JCB TOUGHPHONE is perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle who requires a mobile phone that can take a few knocks.

    So next time I’m asked to provide someone with a ‘builders phone’ we may well be taking a look at the JCB Toughphone!

    The JCB Toughphone is available now from eXpansys.

    Posted by: Matt

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    Posted in: News
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