Google Doesn't Need You To Call Advertiser

The search engine giant originally had a plan to place ads "that aim to get buyers to pick up the phone" but that strategy has been set aside for now as Google is re-focusing their attention on other types of ads. They're still going to send ads to cell phone users, but these are more likely to come in the form of text messages and pay-per-action ads.

Instead of pay-per-action, Google was thinking about pay-per-call ads where "an advertiser pays each time a consumer calls the company after seeing an ad posted on Google or its partner websites." I personally don't think the conversion would be very good, because how many web users are actually motivated to pick up the phone and call someone?

MacBook hard drives contain fatal defect

Introduction:
UK data recovery firm Retrodata warns that a batch of Seagate drives used in some MacBooks seems to suffer from a manufacturing defect, according to InformationWeek. Retrodata says that the problem is confined to Seagate 2.5 inch SATA drives revision 7.0.1 from China. You can find out if you have one of those by selecting "About This Mac" from the menu, then clicking on "More Info...," and selecting "Serial-ATA."

Specifications

Read/write heads can become detached from the drive and subsequently scratch the surface of the disk if the computer isn't immediately turned off. The scratching then renders data recovery largely impossible. Apple has acknowledged the problem by saying that it has "received a few reports" and is "looking into it." Retrodata feels the problem is severe enough that a recall is warranted and that Apple should replace the affected drives. In the mean time, the company recommends that users of these drives back up all their data and have the drive replaced themselves.

Note, however, that having a firm like Retrodata recover data from a dead hard drive can be an expensive proposition—most people will probably prefer to replace the drive and restore their data from a backup. In that case, there's no difference between a drive that suffers from a routine (electronic or mechanical) failure where data recovery would be possible and the "deep scratches" caused by a head becoming detached. Therefore, replacing the drive as a precautionary measure is probably not warranted if you make regular backups.

Fujitsu 320GB of storage for notebook

Introduction:
Content, content and more content. Apparently we can never get enough content. Fujitsu has upped the ante on the ability to store content with the world's largest commercially available notebook HDD. The MHZ2 BH series HDD has a massive 320GB capacity. It uses perpendicular magnetic recording technology and offers reading speeds of up to 300MB per second thanks to a 3.0GB per second SATA interface. According to the specs, read seek time is 12 ms, and write seek time is 14 ms.


Specifications

Content, content and more content. Apparently we can never get enough content. Fujitsu has upped the ante on the ability to store content with the world's largest commercially available notebook HDD. The MHZ2 BH series HDD has a massive 320GB capacity. It uses perpendicular magnetic recording technology and offers reading speeds of up to 300MB per second thanks to a 3.0GB per second SATA interface. According to the specs, read seek time is 12 ms, and write seek time is 14 ms.

A gigantic drive is only useful if it doesn't suck the life out of your notebook battery. This drive offers best-in-class power consumption figures, though, so you will be fine (a cynic would point out that if this is the first and so far only drive of this size then it is obviously best in class, because it is the only one in its class, but we can assume that's not what they meant). The drive will be available in February of 2008. The price has not yet been released.

BlackBerry 9000 Series Touch Screen

Introduction:

Although there are plenty of other devices that already have touchscreens -- HTC smartphones, Apple iPhone, etc. -- we have yet to be treated to a touchscreen'd rendition of a BlackBerry device. That may soon change. There's word going around that Research in Motion is working on the BlackBerry 9000 series and this next-generation handheld will boast a new touchscreen-based operating system.

Specification And Review:

And we're not just talking about swapping out the existing display for a touchscreen either. Sources are reporting that the BlackBerry 9000 series will rock a full face touchscreen, meaning that the company is ditching a physical keyboard in favor of an on-screen one, not unlike that found on the HTC Touch or Apple iPhone. Other critical specs include GPS tracking, WiFi, push email, and "improved multimedia capabilities."

The current timeline calls for a launch some time in early 2008. The BB 8000 series will be kept alive for people who prefer physical QWERTYness.

Option Unveils iCON 225 Wireless USB Modem

Introduction and Specifications:


Measuring only 63 x 26 x 13 mm and just weighing 40 g, the iCON 225 is Option’s most compact HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) USB wireless modem to date. Offering data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps, the device can download an MP3 music file in five seconds or a YouTube video in a minute.

Incorporating quad-band EDGE, GPRS and GSM data connectivity as well as 2100 MHz HSDPA/UMTS, the iCON 225’s Zero-CD technology allows applications, manuals and drivers to be downloaded and installed automatically when the device is connected to a computer for the first time: CD installation and bulky printed instruction manuals have been eliminated.

Product Highlights

* Compact USB stick form-factor measuring 63x26x13 mm
* Multimode HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM
* Worldwide coverage with quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM
* HSDPA connectivity at up to 7.2 Mbps
* EDGE/GPRS/GSM connectivity at up to 247 kbps
* Zero-CD Plug ‘n’ Play technology
* Transparent support for IPSec and VPN technology
* Comprehensively tested on infrastructure and networks wordwide
* Future proof through upgradeable firmware in Flash Memory

Nokia's N810 internet tablet hits store shelves

Introduction And Specification:

Folks, we're going to level with you: Nokia's N810 internet table -- the magnetizing, multi-faceted gadget so many of you cats have been waiting for -- is officially on store shelves. According to the Finnish company's reps, the WiFi equipped handheld is now available for your general consumption at such luminous retailers as Best Buy Mobile, CompUSA, Micro Center, and Nokia flagship stoes in New York and Chicago. If you'll recall, the Linux-based, touchscreen portable runs atop a 400MHz CPU, has 2GB of RAM (upgradable to 10GB), a built-in GPS receiver, a Mozilla-based browser, and a slide-out, full QWERTY keyboard. The silver dream machine is available right now for the suggested retail price of $479.

Slacker gets official on Portable Player, Premium Radio Service

Introduction:

Looks like Slacker's on the move -- remember those guys? They're the ones with the customizable streaming radio stations that intend to distribute dynamic audio streams by way of internet and satellite. The sat option's not quite ready yet, but the Portable Player is well on its way.


Specifications:

Looks like Slacker's on the move -- remember those guys? They're the ones with the customizable streaming radio stations that intend to distribute dynamic audio streams by way of internet and satellite. The sat option's not quite ready yet, but the Portable Player is well on its way. The details:

* It'll be available in 15 (2GB), 25 (4GB), and 40 (8GB) station capacities. (Station capacity is how Slacker gauges storage. Each station carries with it a slew of tracks). Prices are $200, $250, and $300, respectively.
* 4-inch screen with touch strip and scroll wheel. (Sorry, not a touchscreen, though, nor is it intended for video playback.)
* The device uses WiFi to connect directly to content, and MTP over USB connection. You can do your thing without using a machine, but if you want to use USB you won't have an easy time using it on non-Windows platforms.
* It supports MP3, WMA, and AAC playback. The music you sync from the stations is kept in "hidden" storage in DRMed AAC. No, you're not at all allowed to try and grab at this content.
* 10 hours battery life with removable li-ion battery
* Premium Radio Service is available for $7.50 per month, enabling unlimited track skipping, ratings music and banning tracks or artists, station sharing, and ad-free station streams

The 10-inch Eee PC, hiding in plain sight

Introduction

Rumors of a 10-inch Eee PC continue to fly fast and furious, and as we were trying to piece together the various contradictory statements from Asus and other sources, we happened to notice these pictures from Computex that clearly show an Eee PC model "1001," encased in a slightly larger form factor with -- you guessed it -- a 10-inch screen. Now, all the other rumors we've heard involve stuffing that larger screen into the existing 7-inch 701 form factor, so this could be an entirely different branch of the Eee tree, but it's definitely interesting that Asus hasn't been talking about the 1001 much at all -- you'd think that it would at least rate a passing mention during the hoopla of the Eee launch, but we haven't heard a peep. Check some more pics -- including one of the entire Eee lineup at Computex including the 1001, at the read link.

Google and HTC's Dream phone prototype semi-revealed

Introduction:

Sure, a Google-sponsored phone OS in the way of Android is pretty great news for mobile phone land, but what if your really had your heart set on some Google hardware this Monday morning? Well take heart, because Forbes has the skinny on an HTC device labeled "Dream," (most likely not pictured above) which could very well be oft-rumored hardware of legend, and could also be hitting the market as early as next year.


Specifications

Sure, a Google-sponsored phone OS in the way of Android is pretty great news for mobile phone land, but what if your really had your heart set on some Google hardware this Monday morning? Well take heart, because Forbes has the skinny on an HTC device labeled "Dream," (most likely not pictured above) which could very well be oft-rumored hardware of legend, and could also be hitting the market as early as next year. Apparently the phone is one of roughly five prototypes that Google had built to demonstrate the Open Handset Alliance software to potential members, and HTC's Peter Chou says in the two years it's been working on OHA designs, "this is the best one we've seen." The device itself, which measures about 3 x 5-inches, sports a touchscreen, navigational controls at the base, and a full swivel out keyboard. When swiveled the screen goes from portrait to landscape mode, but unfortunately that's the limit of info on the actual hardware. The software apparently has "time-sensitive" touch controls that expands your area control the longer you touch. Icons for your most important apps -- which are apparently email, text documents, and YouTube -- are lined up across the top of the screen. There's also some fancy stuff under the hood to keep an ongoing browser session open to speed launch times, and the browser downloads large files in stages to speed delivery. HTC is considering a commercial version of the phone, which we could be seeing as soon as the second half of 2008.

Sierra Wireless intros Apex 880 USB HSUPA modem

Introduction:

Sierra Wireless sure doesn't seem to be skimping when it comes to USB HSUPA modems, with it now following up its recently-released 880U and 881U models with its new and somewhat improved Apex 880 modem. About the biggest addition here is an always useful microSD card slot, which should let you ditch at least one USB thumb drive from your bag. The modem itself is also slightly smaller than the previous models, measuring just 85mm x 37.5mm x 15mm. Otherwise, you'll get the same peak data speeds of 7.2 Mbps on the downlink and 2.0 Mpbs on the uplink as before, and support for tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM/ EDGE networks to keep you connected at all times. No word on a price just yet, but it'll apparently be available in January.

Specifications

Apex USB modems offer seamless high-speed wireless connectivity for both Mac and Windows notebook and desktop computers on HSUPA networks. Apex includes TRU-Install™, a seamless, no CD installation experience, a microSD memory expansion slot, a rotating USB hinge for flexibility with all types of USB port orientations and a laptop clip to help improve modem performance. Apex has truly been designed to not only offer the best in USB modem functionality but also to create a flawless user experience!

Apex modems offer standard features such as an easy to use USB connector, and global roaming on tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM/ EDGE networks.
KEY FEATURES

* Transfer wireless data at speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps on the downlink and 2.0 Mbps on the uplink, on the latest HSPA networks
* Familiar USB connection
* microSD memory expansion slot
* Supported OS: Windows® Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X

KEY BENEFITS

* Rotating USB hinge so it connects easily to different desktop and notebook computer USB port orientations
* High speed wireless connectivity in more places than Wi-Fi, offering greater mobility
* Global compatibility - support for latest HSPA technology, but backward compatible where unavailable
* Reliable connection and speed, even in fringe network areas

V7 lets loose budget-priced NAV730 and NAV740 GPS units

Introduction:

V7, the exclusive house brand for Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), and the maker of world class IT and CE global solutions, today launched two advanced functionality Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), redefining value and utility for GPS customers.

Specifications

The NAV730 and NAV740 GPS PNDs are targeted at value-conscious GPS consumers and commercial fleets. Both are portable navigation devices featuring V7 Navigation Software with turn-by-turn, text-to-speech capabilities that allow users to see and hear where they are and how to get to their destination.

"The ultra-slim NAV730 and NAV740 are perfect solutions for consumers as well as commercial fleets who demand a feature-rich product at a value price point,” said Rainer Kozlik, vice president and general manager of Ingram Micro’s Global V7 Private Label Group. “These products are part of V7’s commitment to offer innovative, reliable products at an attractive price-performance ratio to resellers worldwide."

The NAV730 and NAV740 come with many features typically available only in higher-end priced models, including a 3.5-inch 320x240 TFT-LCD high resolution display (NAV730) or 4.3-inch 480x272 TFT-LCD high resolution display (NAV740). Both models are touch-screen enabled with an easy-to-use, intuitive graphical user interface and turn-by-turn voice instruction including text-to-speech. Featuring an attractive, lightweight and slim (only 19.8mm thin) design, the NAV730 and NAV740 can easily slip into your pocket, making them truly portable navigation devices.

The new V7 NAV730 and NAV740 feature 400MHz CPUs for faster map redraws and enhanced AV capabilities, SD card technology for expandable storage, preloaded maps, and a built-in high performance multimedia (audio and video) player that supports the most popular audio, video, and digital picture formats (MP3, WMA, OGG, MPEG4, AVI, WMV, GIF, JPG, TIFF). Easy-to-install mounting hardware and auto adapters are included as standard products. Both units carry a two-year warranty.

“Loaded with the features at a price anyone can afford, the V7 NAV730 and NAV740 will not only make getting to your destination easier, but make your travels more enjoyable, too,” Kozlik said.

ASUS' Eee PC now being served at NewEgg

Introduction:

Personal computing has never been so portable, or so affordable. The new EeePC, a joint venture between Intel and Asus, is designed to be your constant companion and your elegant yet affordable introduction to computing. Weighing in at only 2 pounds, with a compact and highly-readable seven-inch display, the EeePC is perfect little assistant. Running on a customized Linux operating system, it responds far more speedily than its Windows counterparts, but it'll run Windows XP quite happily, if you like.

Specifications

The EeePC offers two types of intuitive interface, to let you choose how you want to use it. Using either the "Easy" or full desktop mode, you can use the built-in WLAN connectivity to communicate on the run, share photos from your trip before you get home, or do almost anything else online. Flash storage keeps the weight low – without a hard drive, this micro-monster weighs in at 0.89 kilograms . . . that's less than two pounds!

With the 40 included applications, onboard webcam, high-speed internet capability, and exquisite sound, the EeePC could become your best friend – move over, Fido!

Hands-on (again) with Samsung's P2

Introduction

Yeah, we already got our P2 touching on back in those heady days of August, and we even saw this sucker unboxed in September, but now Samsung has made everything official and thrust it into some impenetrable plastic packaging for our own unboxing pleasure.

Specifications

Yeah, we already got our P2 touching on back in those heady days of August, and we even saw this sucker unboxed in September, but now Samsung has made everything official and thrust it into some impenetrable plastic packaging for our own unboxing pleasure. Seriously, this thermoformed plastic was some of the worst we've ever encountered, and due to a sudden absence of scissors at the Engadget HQ, we were literally risking life and limb to get this thing open. Once we broke in, it was smooth sailing. The device is pretty slick, and Samsung seems to have tweaked the touch sensitivity a bit more to our liking. The default scrolling menu is still pretty bad, but it's easy to switch to a basic grid interface. The preloaded songs were of course smooth jazz bad techno, but it was no trouble at all getting some of our Rhapsody tunes onto the device -- no installation necessary, we just plugged it in and it worked, and we got similar results with Windows Media Center for some TV transfers. It's hard to get used to that little round dot at the bottom of the player not being a button, but the screen controls are easy enough, and the side buttons are a nice touch for when you're operating the device without looking. The included headphones are naturally horrible, but you're going to be picking up some stereo Bluetooth headphones for this one anyways, right?

Verizon's BlackBerry Pearl gets new data plans

Introduction:

They're still miles away from T-Mobile's ridiculously cheap $10 for unlimited BlackBerry email, but Verizon's trying to reach out to a more personal, consumer-based audience as it preps to launch its own Pearl with a new data pricing structure of its own. Unlimited web and email will run you $29.99 when purchased with a voice plan, $34.99 without, offering support for up to ten POP3 and IMAP accounts. Again, T-Mobile's got these cats beat hands-down if saving dinero is the priority -- but then again, Verizon takes the cake for total coverage area and, of course, 3G speed. Pick your poison.

Specifications

They're still miles away from T-Mobile's ridiculously cheap $10 for unlimited BlackBerry email, but Verizon's trying to reach out to a more personal, consumer-based audience as it preps to launch its own Pearl with a new data pricing structure of its own. Unlimited web and email will run you $29.99 when purchased with a voice plan, $34.99 without, offering support for up to ten POP3 and IMAP accounts. Again, T-Mobile's got these cats beat hands-down if saving dinero is the priority -- but then again, Verizon takes the cake for total coverage area and, of course, 3G speed. Pick your poison.

Samsung P2 touchscreen DAP hits the States

Introduction

After a month or so of delays, Samsung has finally launched its P2 media player in the States; and it's not putting the 3-inch touchscreen sporting, flash-based, Bluetooth-enabled DAP out there all by its lonesome. Today Samsung announced MPfreedom, a website with info and customization doohickeys, and of course content partnerships with the likes of CinemaNow, Rhapsody and Napster.


Specifications

After a month or so of delays, Samsung has finally launched its P2 media player in the States; and it's not putting the 3-inch touchscreen sporting, flash-based, Bluetooth-enabled DAP out there all by its lonesome. Today Samsung announced MPfreedom, a website with info and customization doohickeys, and of course content partnerships with the likes of CinemaNow, Rhapsody and Napster. As we heard before, Samsung is also going to be supporting the player through "Blue Wave" firmware upgrades, the first of which is due for December, and will include Bluetooth phone call and file transfer integration, along with AAC compatibility -- currently only WMA and MP3 are supported -- and some other frills. Samsung is emphasizing its 3-inch, 16:9 display that can run video at 30fps (WMV and MPEG-4), and of course the touchscreen "EmoTure" tap 'n slide interface. The player is available in 2GB, 4GB ($199) and 8GB ($249) capacities, in your choice of black, white or red. There's 35 hours of music playback or 5 hours of video on the battery, and Samsung tossed in an FM radio for good measure.