Quick review of AsusTek Android 3.0-powered Tablet

TAIPEI: Asustek Computer Inc unveiled a sleek Tablet computer after the Taiwanese firm saw the sales of its once popular line of mini-laptops stall following the launch of Apple's hit iPad.

AsusTek said the EEE Pad Transformer, which runs on the Android 3.0 operating system, distinguishes itself with an optional keyboard that is superior to docking options for other Tablets because of its light weight and flexibility.

Its 10.1in screen with a front and rear camera can be detached from the keyboard to allow users on the move quick web browsing and film viewing. Plugging it to the keyboard dock, the device can then be used as a fully-fledged laptop.

"In our own pursuit of perfection, we offer users more options," AsusTek CEO Jerry Shen told The Associated Press. "They can get a full range of functions including 10-finger touch, Flash supported video viewing, e-book reading, and a physical keyboard so they don't have to deal with any inconveniences."


The EEE Pad Transformer, which just became available for pre-order in Taiwan, goes on sale in Britain on March 30, to be followed by US sales.

In Taiwan, the 16GB version without the keyboard sells for US$500, while the keyboard version costs US$600. The company did not provide prices for other markets.

Another Asus Tablet, the 12in e-Slate powered by the Microsoft Windows operating system, went on sale in January, while two additional Asus Tablet models will go on sale soon. Shen said he expected total sales of the four models to reach two million units this year.

Taiwan's Acer Inc, the world's third largest computer vendor, has already unveiled four Tablet models, as well as a 4.8in smartphone that doubles as a Tablet. The company says all will be on sale next month.

Shen acknowledged Apple Inc's current dominance in the rapidly expanding Tablet computer market, but predicted that its market share would fall to 50% by next year, as devices run on Android and Microsoft systems pick up steam.

Asus pioneered netbooks - mini-laptops - to great fanfare in 2007. Once seen as a key to the company's growth, sales remained flat in 2010, Shen said, following the iPad's appearance in the marketplace. - AP

Quick review of AsusTek Android 3.0-powered Tablet

TAIPEI: Asustek Computer Inc unveiled a sleek Tablet computer after the Taiwanese firm saw the sales of its once popular line of mini-laptops stall following the launch of Apple's hit iPad.

AsusTek said the EEE Pad Transformer, which runs on the Android 3.0 operating system, distinguishes itself with an optional keyboard that is superior to docking options for other Tablets because of its light weight and flexibility.

Its 10.1in screen with a front and rear camera can be detached from the keyboard to allow users on the move quick web browsing and film viewing. Plugging it to the keyboard dock, the device can then be used as a fully-fledged laptop.

"In our own pursuit of perfection, we offer users more options," AsusTek CEO Jerry Shen told The Associated Press. "They can get a full range of functions including 10-finger touch, Flash supported video viewing, e-book reading, and a physical keyboard so they don't have to deal with any inconveniences."


The EEE Pad Transformer, which just became available for pre-order in Taiwan, goes on sale in Britain on March 30, to be followed by US sales.

In Taiwan, the 16GB version without the keyboard sells for US$500, while the keyboard version costs US$600. The company did not provide prices for other markets.

Another Asus Tablet, the 12in e-Slate powered by the Microsoft Windows operating system, went on sale in January, while two additional Asus Tablet models will go on sale soon. Shen said he expected total sales of the four models to reach two million units this year.

Taiwan's Acer Inc, the world's third largest computer vendor, has already unveiled four Tablet models, as well as a 4.8in smartphone that doubles as a Tablet. The company says all will be on sale next month.

Shen acknowledged Apple Inc's current dominance in the rapidly expanding Tablet computer market, but predicted that its market share would fall to 50% by next year, as devices run on Android and Microsoft systems pick up steam.

Asus pioneered netbooks - mini-laptops - to great fanfare in 2007. Once seen as a key to the company's growth, sales remained flat in 2010, Shen said, following the iPad's appearance in the marketplace. - AP

Quick review of AsusTek Android 3.0-powered Tablet

TAIPEI: Asustek Computer Inc unveiled a sleek Tablet computer after the Taiwanese firm saw the sales of its once popular line of mini-laptops stall following the launch of Apple's hit iPad.

AsusTek said the EEE Pad Transformer, which runs on the Android 3.0 operating system, distinguishes itself with an optional keyboard that is superior to docking options for other Tablets because of its light weight and flexibility.

Its 10.1in screen with a front and rear camera can be detached from the keyboard to allow users on the move quick web browsing and film viewing. Plugging it to the keyboard dock, the device can then be used as a fully-fledged laptop.

"In our own pursuit of perfection, we offer users more options," AsusTek CEO Jerry Shen told The Associated Press. "They can get a full range of functions including 10-finger touch, Flash supported video viewing, e-book reading, and a physical keyboard so they don't have to deal with any inconveniences."


The EEE Pad Transformer, which just became available for pre-order in Taiwan, goes on sale in Britain on March 30, to be followed by US sales.

In Taiwan, the 16GB version without the keyboard sells for US$500, while the keyboard version costs US$600. The company did not provide prices for other markets.

Another Asus Tablet, the 12in e-Slate powered by the Microsoft Windows operating system, went on sale in January, while two additional Asus Tablet models will go on sale soon. Shen said he expected total sales of the four models to reach two million units this year.

Taiwan's Acer Inc, the world's third largest computer vendor, has already unveiled four Tablet models, as well as a 4.8in smartphone that doubles as a Tablet. The company says all will be on sale next month.

Shen acknowledged Apple Inc's current dominance in the rapidly expanding Tablet computer market, but predicted that its market share would fall to 50% by next year, as devices run on Android and Microsoft systems pick up steam.

Asus pioneered netbooks - mini-laptops - to great fanfare in 2007. Once seen as a key to the company's growth, sales remained flat in 2010, Shen said, following the iPad's appearance in the marketplace. - AP

Kodak patent complaint against Apple, RIM revived

ROCHESTER (New York): A federal agency is reviewing Eastman Kodak Co's high-stakes patent-infringement claim against technology giants Apple Inc and Research in Motion (RIM) Ltd.

The US International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., agreed to examine a judge's finding in January that Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerry don't violate an image-preview patent the photography pioneer obtained in 2001.

The decision revives Kodak's hopes of negotiating royalties worth US$1bil or more. The agency's six commissioners will decide by May 23 whether to alter the initial determination by its chief administrative judge, Paul Luckern, or let it stand.

Kodak spokesman Gerard Meuchner said "we are pleased with the decision and we look forward to the next step in the process."

The company has amassed more than 1,000 digital-imaging patents, and almost all digital cameras rely on that technology. Mining its rich array of inventions has become an indispensable tool in a long and painful turnaround.

That campaign was stalled by the recession, which began just after Kodak completed a three-year, US$3.4bil digital overhaul in 2007. Its payroll has plunged to 18,800 people, from 70,000 in 2002.

Messages seeking comment from RIM were not immediately returned. An Apple spokesman said the company had no comment.

Kodak's moment

After failed negotiations, Kodak filed a complaint against Cupertino, California-based Apple and Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM in January 2010 with the commission that oversees US trade disputes. It also filed two lawsuits against Apple in federal court in Rochester, but it has not specified the damages it is seeking.

In December 2009, the commission ruled that cellphones made by Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc infringed the same Kodak patent, and Kodak received a one-time US$550mil royalty payment from Samsung and a US$414mil deal was reached with LG Electronics.

The 131-year-old camera maker has said it expects to continue to generate an average of between US$250mil and US$350mil annually through 2013 from licensing its digital technology. Over the last three years, it outpaced that figure, booking US$1.9bil in revenue.

Kodak has banked on replacing hefty profits it once made on film, with promising new lines of home inkjet printers and high-speed inkjet presses. It expects to generate its first profits from consumer printers this year and its commercial line is targeted to turn profitable next year.

No infringement

Separately, ITC judge E. James Gildea has issued an initial ruling in a dispute between Apple and Nokia Corp, saying Apple did not infringe on five of Nokia's patents.

Nokia, the world's largest maker of cellphones, filed a complaint with the ITC in December 2009, alleging Apple's iPods, iPhone and computers violate Nokia's intellectual property rights.

At issue were key features found in Apple products, including aspects of user interface, cameras, antenna and power management technologies, Nokia said at the time. The company claimed that the technologies in question help cut manufacturing costs, reduce gadget size and prolong battery life.

The cellphone maker began its patent fight with Apple in October 2009, filing its first patent infringement claim against Apple in Delaware. Apple filed a countersuit, claiming Nokia was infringing on a variety of its patents.

Apple countersued Nokia in the United States, and also filed a counter-complaint with the ITC.

Nokia has also filed patent lawsuits last year against Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Apple had no comment on Gildea's ruling. A spokesman for Nokia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. - AP

Kodak patent complaint against Apple, RIM revived

ROCHESTER (New York): A federal agency is reviewing Eastman Kodak Co's high-stakes patent-infringement claim against technology giants Apple Inc and Research in Motion (RIM) Ltd.

The US International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., agreed to examine a judge's finding in January that Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerry don't violate an image-preview patent the photography pioneer obtained in 2001.

The decision revives Kodak's hopes of negotiating royalties worth US$1bil or more. The agency's six commissioners will decide by May 23 whether to alter the initial determination by its chief administrative judge, Paul Luckern, or let it stand.

Kodak spokesman Gerard Meuchner said "we are pleased with the decision and we look forward to the next step in the process."

The company has amassed more than 1,000 digital-imaging patents, and almost all digital cameras rely on that technology. Mining its rich array of inventions has become an indispensable tool in a long and painful turnaround.

That campaign was stalled by the recession, which began just after Kodak completed a three-year, US$3.4bil digital overhaul in 2007. Its payroll has plunged to 18,800 people, from 70,000 in 2002.

Messages seeking comment from RIM were not immediately returned. An Apple spokesman said the company had no comment.

Kodak's moment

After failed negotiations, Kodak filed a complaint against Cupertino, California-based Apple and Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM in January 2010 with the commission that oversees US trade disputes. It also filed two lawsuits against Apple in federal court in Rochester, but it has not specified the damages it is seeking.

In December 2009, the commission ruled that cellphones made by Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc infringed the same Kodak patent, and Kodak received a one-time US$550mil royalty payment from Samsung and a US$414mil deal was reached with LG Electronics.

The 131-year-old camera maker has said it expects to continue to generate an average of between US$250mil and US$350mil annually through 2013 from licensing its digital technology. Over the last three years, it outpaced that figure, booking US$1.9bil in revenue.

Kodak has banked on replacing hefty profits it once made on film, with promising new lines of home inkjet printers and high-speed inkjet presses. It expects to generate its first profits from consumer printers this year and its commercial line is targeted to turn profitable next year.

No infringement

Separately, ITC judge E. James Gildea has issued an initial ruling in a dispute between Apple and Nokia Corp, saying Apple did not infringe on five of Nokia's patents.

Nokia, the world's largest maker of cellphones, filed a complaint with the ITC in December 2009, alleging Apple's iPods, iPhone and computers violate Nokia's intellectual property rights.

At issue were key features found in Apple products, including aspects of user interface, cameras, antenna and power management technologies, Nokia said at the time. The company claimed that the technologies in question help cut manufacturing costs, reduce gadget size and prolong battery life.

The cellphone maker began its patent fight with Apple in October 2009, filing its first patent infringement claim against Apple in Delaware. Apple filed a countersuit, claiming Nokia was infringing on a variety of its patents.

Apple countersued Nokia in the United States, and also filed a counter-complaint with the ITC.

Nokia has also filed patent lawsuits last year against Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Apple had no comment on Gildea's ruling. A spokesman for Nokia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. - AP

Kodak patent complaint against Apple, RIM revived

ROCHESTER (New York): A federal agency is reviewing Eastman Kodak Co's high-stakes patent-infringement claim against technology giants Apple Inc and Research in Motion (RIM) Ltd.

The US International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., agreed to examine a judge's finding in January that Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerry don't violate an image-preview patent the photography pioneer obtained in 2001.

The decision revives Kodak's hopes of negotiating royalties worth US$1bil or more. The agency's six commissioners will decide by May 23 whether to alter the initial determination by its chief administrative judge, Paul Luckern, or let it stand.

Kodak spokesman Gerard Meuchner said "we are pleased with the decision and we look forward to the next step in the process."

The company has amassed more than 1,000 digital-imaging patents, and almost all digital cameras rely on that technology. Mining its rich array of inventions has become an indispensable tool in a long and painful turnaround.

That campaign was stalled by the recession, which began just after Kodak completed a three-year, US$3.4bil digital overhaul in 2007. Its payroll has plunged to 18,800 people, from 70,000 in 2002.

Messages seeking comment from RIM were not immediately returned. An Apple spokesman said the company had no comment.

Kodak's moment

After failed negotiations, Kodak filed a complaint against Cupertino, California-based Apple and Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM in January 2010 with the commission that oversees US trade disputes. It also filed two lawsuits against Apple in federal court in Rochester, but it has not specified the damages it is seeking.

In December 2009, the commission ruled that cellphones made by Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc infringed the same Kodak patent, and Kodak received a one-time US$550mil royalty payment from Samsung and a US$414mil deal was reached with LG Electronics.

The 131-year-old camera maker has said it expects to continue to generate an average of between US$250mil and US$350mil annually through 2013 from licensing its digital technology. Over the last three years, it outpaced that figure, booking US$1.9bil in revenue.

Kodak has banked on replacing hefty profits it once made on film, with promising new lines of home inkjet printers and high-speed inkjet presses. It expects to generate its first profits from consumer printers this year and its commercial line is targeted to turn profitable next year.

No infringement

Separately, ITC judge E. James Gildea has issued an initial ruling in a dispute between Apple and Nokia Corp, saying Apple did not infringe on five of Nokia's patents.

Nokia, the world's largest maker of cellphones, filed a complaint with the ITC in December 2009, alleging Apple's iPods, iPhone and computers violate Nokia's intellectual property rights.

At issue were key features found in Apple products, including aspects of user interface, cameras, antenna and power management technologies, Nokia said at the time. The company claimed that the technologies in question help cut manufacturing costs, reduce gadget size and prolong battery life.

The cellphone maker began its patent fight with Apple in October 2009, filing its first patent infringement claim against Apple in Delaware. Apple filed a countersuit, claiming Nokia was infringing on a variety of its patents.

Apple countersued Nokia in the United States, and also filed a counter-complaint with the ITC.

Nokia has also filed patent lawsuits last year against Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Apple had no comment on Gildea's ruling. A spokesman for Nokia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. - AP

Nintendo 3DS could use fresher games

Whether you're watching a Hollywood action movie in an Imax theatre or college hoops on a 3D TV, there's no denying the wow factor of current 3D technology. And the trend isn't lost on videogame companies - particularly Sony, which has been trumpeting the 3D environments of recent PlayStation3 games like Killzone 3.

Still, big-screen 3D isn't for everybody: Those of us with poor vision will probably never adjust to wearing 3D glasses on top of our prescription specs.

That's why Nintendo's announcement last year that it had created eyeglasses-free 3D was greeted with such enthusiasm. And its 3DS portable game machine (US$250) lives up to the hype, creating a convincing illusion of a third dimension beyond its 3.5in screen.


The most dazzling demonstration, which comes installed on the device, is AR Games. ("AR" stands for "augmented reality.") Place a card on a table, point the 3DS cameras at it - and a dragon bursts out of the flat surface. To shoot targets on the dragon, you have to move yourself around the card to find different angles.

You can also take 3D photos and add a variety of effects. Or you can incorporate your friends' images into Face Raiders, which morphs them onto a fleet of floating, whirling attack helicopters. Like AR Games, it's simple, but offers a promising glimpse of what we might expect from future 3DS software.

Nintendo has assembled a solid but derivative lineup of 18 games (US$40 each) to accompany the launch of the hardware. Almost all of them are based on familiar franchises, including Nintendo's own Pilotwings Resort, a lighthearted flying game, and Nintendogs + Cats, a lovable pet simulator.

The 3D effect does enhance sports games like EA Sports' Madden NFL Football and Namco Bandai's Ridge Racer 3D. But it feels superfluous in Capcom's Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition because its 3D angles tend to block your view; it's a good game, but "SF" fans will probably stick to the 2D perspective.

LucasArts' Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars delivers flashier 3D effects: In combat, enemies burst into Lego bricks that look like they're going to burst through the screen. For the most part, though, the game plays just as well in two dimensions.

It's easy enough to switch that extra dimension on and off, and I suspect many players will make frequent use of the device's 2D/3D slider. If you look away from the 3D screen, it takes a few seconds to readjust your eyes back to it. More significantly, my eyes got tired after about 10 minutes of 3D action, so I spent more time with it turned off.

So, if the games are just as playable in two dimensions, what's the point? The 3DS launch lineup doesn't answer that question, but surely some developers are plotting software that makes 3D more integral to gameplay.

Still fighting

Beyond 3D, the 3DS does sport several new features that will delight longtime players of Nintendo handhelds. The most welcome change is a circular thumb pad - at last! - that complements the traditional plus-sign-shaped directional pad.

The 3DS adds a motion sensor so you can tilt the device to control the action in games like Super Monkey Ball 3D. And a retractable stylus can be adjusted to your comfort level.

The whole package is only slightly thicker and heavier than 2008's DSi. The biggest drawback is battery life: If you have the screen set at maximum brightness, a charge lasts just three hours.

Before release, I was unable to try out the 3DS' wireless features, which encourage you to leave the device turned on - in sleep mode - while you carry it around. SpotPass will detect wireless hotspots and automatically download information and free software, Nintendo says.

StreetPass will detect other 3DS players and automatically transfer data such as Mii avatars between devices. And the Nintendo eShop, like the earlier model's DSi Shop, will let you buy and download new games, starting in May.

Nintendo's longtime dominance of handheld gaming has been threatened by the expanding presence of smartphones, especially Apple's iPhone.

It will probably take more than 3D technology to slow down the competition, so the eShop and the 3DS' other wireless goodies will be key.

What the 3DS demonstrates is that Nintendo isn't going to give up the portable market without a fight.