Leaving comments across the blogosphere…
New TiVo HD XL: Big Drive, Big Price
$600 is a lot but they’re targeting custom installers and Magnolia. It basically uses the same TiVo HD hardware, so the cost to get this out the door is low. As long as they keep production under control, this will be a high margin item for TiVo. What they really need to do is get the TiVo HD down to 199. Given this early launch, I could see both units dropping by a hundred (rebate, maybe?) in mid or early November for holiday sales.
iRiver Concepts Feel Straight Out of Terry Gilliam’s Brain
The external speaker is attractive and functional in that it props the device at a nice viewing angle. However, where I’d most use something like that is a plane tray table. With headphones. I like the Nokia N800/N810 kick stand and it looks like the N96 includes one as well.
XOHM WiMAX from Sprint Dropping Next Month
We’re mixing apples and oranges here. There’s WiMax the technology and then there’s Sprint’s business strategy. At the end of the day, most consumers (once we get beyond the geek crowd) shouldn’t care what technology or brand is powering their high speed wireless, but Sprint’s strategy of telling folks to take your Internet connectivity with you under one plan may resonate.
Would you buy a high end phone that didn’t have 3G?
Do as I say, not as I do! I bought a $400 iPhone without 3G. ;) Fortunately, my N95 has the “correct” US frequencies, but I know several people with the European model. However, I’m sure you’ll agree that our circle is highly geeky and not representative. The Omnia looks hot. Given their marketing push, I’m guessing a US model will show up at some time. Though they’re going to need a better stylus implementation in the US.
A Quick Guide to Netbooks
Micro Center doesn’t have the “new” Aspire One pricing. XP edition is still 400 with a sale price of 380. Hm. I do like the looks of it, but the crazy positioning of the mouse buttons ruins it for me which is why I’ve got the 10″ Lenovo S10 on order ($395 w/ XP). Unfortunately it only has 512MB builtin and I haven’t seen an optional 6 cell battery yet. The Wind still looks like it could be the best 10″ option out there but the ideal config runs $600 – assuming you can find it. The Eee line looks plastcy, toy-like. Even the newer models. Not for me.
Chrome Steals Headlines back from Gov Palin
Being a geek, of course I’ll download and futz with it. Win only at first, though the Google blog does say Mac and Linux editions are being crafted as well. As an end user, it doesn’t appear all that revolutionary. Sounds like a pretty typical browser experience. Though the Javascript and process compartmentalization sound good for security and performance.
“..Google blog does say Mac and Linux editions are being crafted as well.”
Chrome for mac is here:
http://dev.chromium.org/developers/how-tos/build-instructions-os-x
TiVo HD is down to $199 — or at least, I bought one at Best Buy for that last week. It’s apparently a pricing test in some stores.
Tracking the netbook frenzy…
The 6 cell Acer Aspire One is out at $399 with the 160GB drive and XP. If you can find it.
The disadvantages of the Acer seem to be:
– no bluetooth
– 8.9″ screen in 10″ package (bigger than Dell, so better keyboard, but still has small screen)
– expandability is limited (one mini-PCI vs. Dell’s two, etc)
– the speakers are apparently anemic (i.e. use headphones)
– somewhat hard to use trackpad buttons (livable)
– lousy battery life with the 3-cell (2:30 or so), but then a 6-cell is available and looks okay
– no expresscard slot
The Dell has:
– very small, smaller than the Acer in particular
– keyboard too small
– excellent expandability, good web site, driver support
– configurability at purchase (web cam, bluetooth)
– no hard drive options, only SSD
– no expresscard
– more expensive than the Acer
The Wind? Used to be the obvious winner, but generally unavailable, now seen as too expensive, and has apparently switched to a new trackpad vendor and the trackpad is now horrid.
Eee? Too many models, too expensive.
The Lenovo Ideapad S10? Looks pretty damn nice. Course its strictly theoretical so far.
– Over 8 weeks says the Lenovo web site now.
– Very favorable review at Laptop Mag
– Bluetooth, Express Card slot, etc
– only 2 USB ports (probably fine)
– multi-touch support on the trackpad
– no idea about the speakers
– 512MB of RAM??? upgradable though
Last time I checked Lenovo, my order is scheduled for 9/9. We shall see! Features all look good, other than meager memory (hopefully easily upgraded) and currently no 6 cell battery option. Tough call – 6 cell battery or 8.9″ screen? Obviously, I went with the 10 incher. Which hopefully also means a bigger keyboard. And it comes in red. :)