written by Tyler Regas

More and more juicy little tidbits about Apple’s move to 3G in its second gen iPhone handsets keeps popping up. The image here is apparently from the latest edition of the SDK beta program from Apple, clearly indicating that 3G will be an option. Allowing users to turn off 3G, and likely continue to use the EDGE network, could very easily be one way for Apple to guarantee its battery lifetime instead of waiting for lower consumption hardware. There’s also additional evidence from AT&T itself that suggests the long talked about “Black” handset is a reality.

written by Tyler Regas

Those feckless heathens over at Gizmodo have dug up yet more dirt on the so-called Psystar debacle. While its not yet proven without a shadow of a doubt, it seems pretty clear that Psystar is simply either some kind of gag or a very badly mis-managed attempt at legitimacy. Check out the Giz for extensive details on what they, so far, have collected.

PS: If this is fake, good job Rodolfo Pedraza! You fooled us all.

written by Tyler Regas

First up, AppleInsider is reporting that “Uncle” Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal, one of the privileged few whom Apple actually favors in the press, has strongly suggested that Apple will be shipping a 3G iPhone within 60 days. This falls within the range of days before the World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, where many are speculating Apple will announce the newest version of its handheld, as well as officially launch iPhone 2.0, which includes Exchange compatibility and other enterprise friendly features as well as 3rd party software developer support.

Additionally, AppleInsider is suggesting that it has details on Apple’s upcoming plans for its suspected overhaul of their MacBook and MacBook Pro lines. One big suggestion is that the MacBook will more from plastics to metals for the external case, making it more Pro and Air looking. As always, only time, and Steve Jobs on Keynote day, will tell.

written by Tyler Regas

Engadget appears to have information that Nokia has announced their WiMax-enabled N810 Internet Tablet device before the CTIA show. Of course, that also suggests Nokia will be announcing the pocketable wonder at the CTIA show. If true, the N810 could represent a form of competition in the offing for the iPhone. If you’ve never used one of Nokia’s Internet Tablets (the 770, N800, and N810) then imagine a pocket computer with an 800×480 display on which you can do just about anything internet related (i.e., email, web, IM, etc…). Now add WiMax and the ability to make broadband connections miles away from a tower. Now you’re getting the idea.

written by Tyler Regas

While it may appear official, Novell has said nothing to the press regarding iPhone 2.0 integration, though they’re not required to. On Novell’s messageboards, Dean Lythgoe, the Director of GroupWise Engineering posted this message to a GroupWise mailing list:

“Novell and the GroupWise team have been working for some time on integration between GroupWise and the iPhone. We have reached out to Apple several times for updates and plans. Apple had indicated that there were two major things that would be happening around the iPhone in the coming months and with their latest announcement they have spelled out those two things.

1. The iPhone would become available on Corporate plans
2. An SDK would be released that would allow synchronization type applications

Novell is committed to providing a solution that allows users access to their email, calendar and contacts on the iPhone. As the SDK was just released, we are still working out the details and will announce more specific plans when appropriate.

We understand the demand that the recent announcements will generate and we will work quickly to provide comparable solutions with GroupWise.”

I’d say that this rather clearly indicates Novell’s interest in providing a solution as soon as they can. IBM is also said to be working on an iPhone version of Lotus Notes. This is all wrapping up rather nicely, or at least it will once these things actually ship!

written by Tyler Regas

The first question is, “Does this qualify as a UMPC?” Not really, unless the ASUS Eee PC counts, as well. Regardless, this is one slick piece of work, and Engadget doesn’t seem to think that there is any chance this could be a fakey, either. Overall, it specs out as a smaller-than-usual HP lappy. What’s odd is the 8.9″ scratch-resistant display with a resolution of 1366×766. Not that OS really care what resolution they display at, but its not your common raster output. Sadly, we don’t know the chipset or other specs, but it does come in an anodized aluminum case and offers an optional SSD. It weighs in at 2.5 lbs. and will apparently offer Windows or Linux. I’m guessing it will price out at US$1,499. We’ll see.

written by Tyler Regas

Yes, I’m placing this one in the rumor mill. A Gizmodo tipster apparently dropped the news that Lenovo is preparing the ThinkPad X300 which will apparently give the Apple MacBook Air a run for its money. Of course, Lenovo’s (formerly IBM’s) ThinkPad line has always been developed with the enterprise use in mind, and the X series has usually delivered. Based on the leaked specs, the X300 aims to deliver, as well. 13.3″ 1440×900 LED backlit display, 2.5 pounds curb weight, dual core Merom Santa Rosa 2.0GHz CPU with an 880MHz FSB, up to 4GBs of RAM, and a 64GB SSD-HD standard. If this rolls, it will be at US$3,000. That’s my bet.

written by Tyler Regas

According to AppleInsider sources, the new MacBook Air’s battery can be replaced in around 3 minutes by a skilled technician, possibly 10 by anyone with a size-0 Philips screwdriver. Apparently you just pop off the cases bottom, unscrew the battery, and unplug it from the motherboard. Apple will be selling replacement batteries for US$129, which is an industry standard price. So, despite the lack of a battery bay door, this doesn’t seem too bad, after all.

written by Tyler Regas