by Joshua Topolsky, posted May 5th 2008 at 5:37PM It looks like Verizon isn’t taking those 700MHz spectrum open access rules very seriously, and a certain competing bidder isn’t real happy. In a petition filed with the FCC by Google, the company alleges that Verizon is willfully ignoring the “plain meaning of the [open access] rule” by suggesting it will allow one type of access for users who use Verizon-approved devices, and another for those using third-party units. According to the document, “Verizon’s position would completely reverse the meaning of the rule such that the open access condition would apply to none of Verizon’s customers, and thereby render the condition a nullity.” The search giant is calling for the FCC to block Verizon’s $4.7 billion bid on the spectrum unless the company agrees to comply with the previously-decided open access rules. (Read the full post about ‘Google calls for FCC to force open access rules or block Verizon’s 700MHz bid’…)

As expected, Lenovo today launched the U110 ultra portable entertainment and fashion-oriented notebook computer. The $1,899 IdeaPad U110 is the company’s “star” offering with great useful features such as VeriFace Face Recognition technology, Dolby Home Theatre and the MultiMedia Control Center, a built-in camera, WLAN, Ethernet and Bluetooth. Tags: video, games, gear, M4A (Read the full post about ‘Lenovo IdeaPad U110 Officially Launched’…)

As expected, Dell today launched two new addition in its Vostro line of budget notebook computers. The 13.3-inch 1310 and 15.4-inch 1510 are targeted towards home users and SMBs, and offers decent specification at a reasonable price-point. The 1510 can be customized with Core 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz), 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, dual layer DVD burner, 802.11g wireless, Bluetooth, fingerprint reader, and Windows XP. It starts at $600 with Celeron M 540 (1.86GHz) processor. (Read the full post about ‘Dell Vostro 1310 and 1510 Notebooks Now Available’…)

Blue Box has released PC Gizmo, a USB device that brings some life into the world of IM emoticons. This egg-shaped dekstop gadget does not only support AIM, MSN and Yahoo! IM programs, it also features visual cues for both incoming emails and Skype calls. It will feature flapping ears, and can rock and turn according to the responses received. LED lights of different colors will illuminate, indicating the different emotions from various messages. An integrated speaker is also available for audible alerts. Guess you can toss out the i-Buddy now. (Read the full post about ‘PC Gizmo for IM Fans’…)

Guess the iPhone really does more than what it is supposed to, with this unique robotic setup that involves a watering can that is able to take instructions from an iphone. Whenever the Safari’s screen state goes from horizontal to vertical, it will fire a status update to a webserver using Javascript that has been set to move the watering can either up or down. Now if only something can be done to fill up the watering can when it runs dry while you’re a few hundred miles away from home as well. (Read the full post about ‘iPhone Waters Plants’…)

Recently there have been ongoing concerns over the shipments of lithium-ion batteries typically used in laptops. The concern stemmed from demand outstripping supply and predictions that only the biggest vendors would be receiving their quotas in the next few months.

The main reason for the shortage was due to a fire back in March at manufacturer LG Chem that saw production stop at the facility. But now it seems that supply may get back to normal by the third quarter according to battery producer Simplo Technology.

Sung Fu-hsang, chairman of Simplo stated, “The LG Chem problem has had a big impact on supplies, but we’re working with customers and they understand“.

Simplo Technology is the largest independent supplier of lithium-ion batteries and the comment by Mr Fu-hsang was made last Friday during an investors conference.

(Read the full post about ‘Lithium-ion battery shortages set to end’…)

by Chris Ziegler, posted May 4th 2008 at 3:11PM Remember when we caught wind that Verizon was prepping a worldband version Samsung’s i760 Windows Mobile piece? That rumor’s suddenly gained a lot more credence now that we’ve seen a so-called SCH-i770 pass through the FCC’s hallowed halls, especially considering the device outline’s uncanny resemblance to that of the aforementioned i760. We’d previously heard that there might be some HSDPA on board, and while we’re not seeing any evidence of that from the FCC’s test reports, we can confirm that it’ll feature EV-DO, WiFi, and Bluetooth in addition to all the GSM you’ll need to get by while roaming through mysterious foreign lands. (Read the full post about ‘FCC signs off on Samsung i770 — global version of Verizon’s i760?’…)

Fujitsu has just made available two of its flagship ultra-portable computing machines, the U810 mini notebook and the T2010 tablet PC. Both machines boast of built-in AT&T BroadbandConnect HSDPA, which simply translates to a fast wireless data connection experience for users. Individually, both machines are equipped with good features as well, here’s what you can expect on these two new Lifebook’s. The LifeBook U810 mini-notebook brags of being the world’s smallest convertible notebook with its 5.6-inch LED backlit touchscreen display and works like a traditional notebook with its ultra-slim QWERTY keyboard or by swivelling its VSVGA Crystal View illuminated screen. (Read the full post about ‘Fujitsu unveils the HSDPA capable Lifebook U810, T2010 tablet PC’s’…)

Now here’s a computer, the AlphaGrip that would put even the Eee PC to shame size-wise, although it won’t pack as much computing power as Asus’ offering in the first place. Featuring enough keys for ten finger touch typing, you get a trackball and stylus for easy navigation, boasting the capability to write straight onto the touchscreen. I guess this is good for standard note-taking purposes but won’t do very well in the corporate boardroom. Unfortunately, it is still in a concept stage and doesn’t look as though it will be a hit even when materialized, as it will occupy an extremely niche market. Better get a handsome tote bag to lug this around. Tags: M4A, pvr, audio, video games (Read the full post about ‘AlphaGrip Handheld Computer’…)

Virgin Mobile will be offering the new Samsung Slash, bringing an extremely lightweight phone that weighs a mere 3 ounces while measuring 3.8″ x 1.8″ x 0.7″. It will feature Bluetooth connectivity, a color display, voice dialing, Web access and a talk time of 3.5 hours at best. Other specifications are still kept under lock and key, including availability and pricing. As the age old adage goes - good things come to those who wait, so that’s just about all we can do at the moment. Tags: game, toys, gps, digital (Read the full post about ‘Samsung Slash heads for Virgin Mobile’…)