Some more pictures of the Qi Smartbook U1000 MID – Based on Windows Mobile platform

Few days back, when we mentioned about this Qi Smartbook U1000, we only had few press shots in hand which just do not tell clearly how the device looks in real life. Now, we have got hold of a couple of pictures of the Qi Smartbook that show how the device look in flesh. To be honest, it just look like any other Windows Mobile device to us. The only difference is the use of huge screen instead of comparatively smaller displays that we generally find in Windows Mobile devices.

In case you have a weak memory like me, this beast has a 5-inch display with WVGA resolution and runs Windows Mobile 6.1. It also has a huge 1900mAh battery that will make it run whole day even in the hands of a power-user.

Moblin 2.0 comes out of BETA – now available for download

Moblin 2.0, a Linux OS and an open source project focused on building a Linux-based platform optimized for the next generation of mobile devices including Netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices, and In-vehicle infotainment systems.

[Moblin official website] [Download the final Moblin 2.0 image]

After being available as BETA to the users from past few months, Moblin has finally announced the final version of it. Give it a go guys!

Dell Mini 10v now being offered with Moblin Linux OS – World’s First Moblin Netbook

At IDF 2009, Dell announced to offer the Dell Mini 10v with Moblin Linux OS (they are instead using the name “Ubuntu Moblin Remix Developer Edition”). This makes it the first Moblin netbook and will start selling it on 24 September 2009 at the price tag of $299.

As its name suggests, the Dell Mini 10v is targeted towards the developers and not for the average consumer, which is weird as Moblin OS is one fo the most polished Linux OS ever made for netbooks. On a weird note, the bluetooth does not work on the Dell Mini 10V even though it has BT onboard.

For those who do not know about Moblin, it is a project by Intel to bring optimized Linux OS to the mobile devices.

HP Snapdragon Smartbook exposed – made by Qualcomm

At an event in China, PT & Network Comm China 2009, Qualcomm displayed an 7-inch snapdragon smartbook which will be sold by HP, perhaps in few months from now. This smartboook runs Linux and has HSDPA radio so that you can always remain connected wherever you go. It has an antenna which should increase the signal, if extended.

Snapdragon, Qualcomm’s 1GHz processor for mobile devices should be mighty fast on this Linux machine. Nothing is known is about its and availability

Good news for Android Netbooks – Android OS to get Opera Mobile browser!

Opera Mobile is one of the most popular apps ever made for Windows Mobile. Infact, the Internet Experience would have been nothing but shabby on Windows Mobile devices if Opera would not have made Opera Mobile for WM. Now, folks at Opera have announced that very soon, they will soon be unveiling Opera Mobile for the Android OS.

“Yes, we are working on an Android version,” von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera said

Competition is always good. Although we have no complaints with the built-in browser of the Android OS, but it would would be nice to see if Opera is able to take mobile web-browsing to a new level or not.

CONFIRMED: No Apple Netbook coming

After months and months of rumors about the Apple netbook, Apple’s chief operating officer finally confirmed in harsh words that Apple will never produce netbooks as they do not deserve the MAC brand. Here are the exact words,

When I look at netbooks, I see cracked keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware, very small screens. It’s just not a good consumer experience and not something we would put the Mac brand on. It’s a segment we would not choose to play in.

He further said, if you want smaller screens, you can go ahead and buy iPhone/iPod for that. This makes me wonder how can an iPod Touch replace my netbook. I own several Windows Mobile devices along with iPod Touch (latest 2G version) and I firmly think that in no way they can ever replace my EEE 1000H.

iPod Touch and Netbooks are both two very different devices. Both of them have their own specific use. I like iPod Touch and WM devices as they are way more mobile than any netbook in the market. But, when I need to do some serious work, I always look up to my EEE 1000H (which is still very portable as compared to normal notebooks).

What this actually shows? This shows that Apple’s Chief operating officer, Tim Cook has actually never used any of the modern day netbooks as none of them have cramped keyboard, ‘junky hardware’ or terrible software.