Windows 7
Just in case you failed to notice, Microsoft has released the latest version of its infamous operating system, Windows 7. It’s so named because that’s what version it is (Vista was Windows 6). Apart from a break from nearly ten years of catchy naming convention, Windows 7 attempts to fill the flaws in Vista and, as ever, provide a simpler and therefore more stable platform. The main improvement, Microsoft points out, is Windows 7’s quicker start up and shut down times. There’s also a new procedure for connecting wireless devices using a PIN system and numerous other innovations. Windows 7 is not so much an entirely new operating system, but rather Vista made better.
Price Windows 7 Home Premium £149.99; Professional Full £219.99; Ultimate Full £229.99
Contact microsoft.com
Packard Bell dot m/u netbook
Packard Bell’s latest netbook, the dot m/u, is now out and boasts features to put it on a par with many larger notebook-type laptops including a 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM. The dot m/u has an 11.6 inch TFT LCD screen, large compared to other netbooks, an eight hour battery life and weighs in at just 1.4kg. It can also be connected to high definition peripherals through its HDMI port. Bundled software includes Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Adobe Photoshop and Elements 6. Bluetooth and 3G modules optional, however wireless is built in as standard.
Price £399
Contact packardbell.co.uk
Kingston MobileLiteG2 card reader
Memory makers Kingston have released the second generation MobileLite G2, a card reader able to handle SD and its many variants which are fast becoming standard storage formats. The reader plugs into a USB slot and comes with a second slot allowing it to support SD, SDHC, microSD, microSDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and Memory Stick Micro (M2). The robust reader measures 62mm x 29mm, and has retractable covers to protect the USB connector and memory cards. It is available as a standalone product or bundled with a 4GB or 8GB Class 4 SDHC card.
Price Standalone £4.54; With 4GB £11.76; 8GB £18.78
Contact kingston.com/europe
ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell
The Eee PC has defined the netbook and kicked off its growing popularity. Now Asus has launched yet another, this time called the PC1008HA Seashell. First announced back in May, the Seashell is now available and comes with a 10” LED-backlit WSVGA display and Intel Atom N280 processor. The Seashell’s main feature is its weight, which at a fraction over 1kg isn’t very much at all. The battery should last six hours, and the hard drive offers 160GB of space with 10GB online space free for 18 months.
Price £379
Contact asus.com
Coming soon
BlackBerry Bold 9700
Another week, another Blackberry. This time it’s the new Bold 9700, and unlike the Storm2 comes with the familiar keyboard. The smartphone has a more powerful processor (624 MHz) than the first Bold, 256 MB of flash memory, in-built GPS and wifi, a 3.2MP camera and a 2.44 inch “light sensing” screen. The Bold also supports 3G HDSPA giving it improved connection speeds. The phone is packed with features as one would expect, such as BlackBerry OS 5, a microSD/SDHD expansion slot and a speakerphone for those impromptu taxi-based conference calls.
Price Free on £35 per month Vodafone contract
Release date Due out November
Contact vodafone.co.uk (available to pre-order)
Andrew Gough
