Quick review of Fujitsu Lifebook NH751

Lifebook NH751

For more hardcore gamers, Fujitsu has the Lifebook NH751, which is a premium mobile gaming rig featuring a choice of the highest performing 2nd Generation Intel Quad-core i7 processors.

Of course, a gaming rig wouldn't be complete without a beefy discrete graphics option, and the NH751 features an nVidia GeForce GT525M graphics chip with 1GB memory.

The notebook can be configured to include a 17.3in (either 1,680 x 945-pixels or 1920x1080-pixels) , 4GB RAM, up to 500GB hard disk drive, a DVD writer or Blu-ray drive, and four USB 2.0 ports, one of which can also function as an eSATA port.

Quick review of Fujitsu Lifebook NH751

Lifebook NH751

For more hardcore gamers, Fujitsu has the Lifebook NH751, which is a premium mobile gaming rig featuring a choice of the highest performing 2nd Generation Intel Quad-core i7 processors.

Of course, a gaming rig wouldn't be complete without a beefy discrete graphics option, and the NH751 features an nVidia GeForce GT525M graphics chip with 1GB memory.

The notebook can be configured to include a 17.3in (either 1,680 x 945-pixels or 1920x1080-pixels) , 4GB RAM, up to 500GB hard disk drive, a DVD writer or Blu-ray drive, and four USB 2.0 ports, one of which can also function as an eSATA port.

Quick review of Fujitsu Lifebook NH751

Lifebook NH751

For more hardcore gamers, Fujitsu has the Lifebook NH751, which is a premium mobile gaming rig featuring a choice of the highest performing 2nd Generation Intel Quad-core i7 processors.

Of course, a gaming rig wouldn't be complete without a beefy discrete graphics option, and the NH751 features an nVidia GeForce GT525M graphics chip with 1GB memory.

The notebook can be configured to include a 17.3in (either 1,680 x 945-pixels or 1920x1080-pixels) , 4GB RAM, up to 500GB hard disk drive, a DVD writer or Blu-ray drive, and four USB 2.0 ports, one of which can also function as an eSATA port.

Quick review of Fujitsu Lifebook MH330

If you value portability over power, then the Lifebiook MH330 netbook is for you.

The MH330 runs on an Intel Atom N455 1.66GHz processor, has a 10.1in (1,024 x 600-pixels) screen, 1GB RAM and 250GB hard disk drive.

However, instead of running on the usual Windows 7 or XP, the MH330 features the MeeGo open-source operating system which was jointly developed by Intel and Nokia.

Based on Linux, Fujitsu claims that MeeGo is optimised for Intel Atom processors and boots up faster and offers better multitasking as well as integrated social networking applications.

The MH330 will also come with the Inifinity App Store, which is a store built specially to support the MeeGo environment, where users can download a variety of apps and games for the netbook.

Quick review of Fujitsu Lifebook MH330

If you value portability over power, then the Lifebiook MH330 netbook is for you.

The MH330 runs on an Intel Atom N455 1.66GHz processor, has a 10.1in (1,024 x 600-pixels) screen, 1GB RAM and 250GB hard disk drive.

However, instead of running on the usual Windows 7 or XP, the MH330 features the MeeGo open-source operating system which was jointly developed by Intel and Nokia.

Based on Linux, Fujitsu claims that MeeGo is optimised for Intel Atom processors and boots up faster and offers better multitasking as well as integrated social networking applications.

The MH330 will also come with the Inifinity App Store, which is a store built specially to support the MeeGo environment, where users can download a variety of apps and games for the netbook.

Quick review of Fujitsu Lifebook MH330

If you value portability over power, then the Lifebiook MH330 netbook is for you.

The MH330 runs on an Intel Atom N455 1.66GHz processor, has a 10.1in (1,024 x 600-pixels) screen, 1GB RAM and 250GB hard disk drive.

However, instead of running on the usual Windows 7 or XP, the MH330 features the MeeGo open-source operating system which was jointly developed by Intel and Nokia.

Based on Linux, Fujitsu claims that MeeGo is optimised for Intel Atom processors and boots up faster and offers better multitasking as well as integrated social networking applications.

The MH330 will also come with the Inifinity App Store, which is a store built specially to support the MeeGo environment, where users can download a variety of apps and games for the netbook.

Acer pledges to rebound amid slowing sales

Taiwan's Acer Inc has pledged to meet new challenges in the slowing PC market after it replaced its top executive as sales fall amid competition from Tablets and other devices.

Stan Shih, Acer's founder and a board member, acknowledged smartphones and Tablet computers such as Apple's iPad have brought "a far greater impact on the PC industry than we had anticipated."


"I hope once again we can face the challenges with a new strategy ... and push again for corporate reconstruction," Shih said in a statement.

Henry Wang, director of Acer's corporation relations, said the company will seek to enhance its brand by offering users "a different experience" and better services.

Acer announced Thursday that its chief executive Gianfranco Lanci has resigned over differences with board members about the company's future.

The company announced last week its first-quarter results would be worse than expected - a 10% quarter-on-quarter drop in revenue against an earlier forecast of a 3% increase. Acer also missed its revenue target in the previous quarter.

The company said that board members failed to agree with Lanci on various business priorities.
"The personal computer remains the core of our business," J.T. Wang, who's taking over as interim chief executive, said in the statement. "In addition, we are stepping into the new mobile device market, where we will invest cautiously and aim to become one of the leading players."

Wang told fund managers late Thursday that Acer had for years striven mainly to expand the volume of PC sales, and achieved that by gaining a market share of over 30% in many European and Asian countries.

In the face of the new challenges, Acer will become more market-oriented and strive more to improve profit margins, he said.

According to market research firm Gartner, Acer's desktop and laptop shipments totalled 45.5 million in 2010, second to Hewlett Packard.

Acer has recently unveiled four Tablet computers, but analysts have raised doubts that the company can achieve its sales target of 5 to 7 million Tablets this year, in the face of market domination by the attractively priced iPad.

But Wang maintained that consumers are not after low prices only but also want functions other than those the iPad offers.

"For instance, some Tablets can work more like a PC with larger storage capacity to enhance the user's productivity," he said.

Acer pledges to rebound amid slowing sales

Taiwan's Acer Inc has pledged to meet new challenges in the slowing PC market after it replaced its top executive as sales fall amid competition from Tablets and other devices.

Stan Shih, Acer's founder and a board member, acknowledged smartphones and Tablet computers such as Apple's iPad have brought "a far greater impact on the PC industry than we had anticipated."


"I hope once again we can face the challenges with a new strategy ... and push again for corporate reconstruction," Shih said in a statement.

Henry Wang, director of Acer's corporation relations, said the company will seek to enhance its brand by offering users "a different experience" and better services.

Acer announced Thursday that its chief executive Gianfranco Lanci has resigned over differences with board members about the company's future.

The company announced last week its first-quarter results would be worse than expected - a 10% quarter-on-quarter drop in revenue against an earlier forecast of a 3% increase. Acer also missed its revenue target in the previous quarter.

The company said that board members failed to agree with Lanci on various business priorities.
"The personal computer remains the core of our business," J.T. Wang, who's taking over as interim chief executive, said in the statement. "In addition, we are stepping into the new mobile device market, where we will invest cautiously and aim to become one of the leading players."

Wang told fund managers late Thursday that Acer had for years striven mainly to expand the volume of PC sales, and achieved that by gaining a market share of over 30% in many European and Asian countries.

In the face of the new challenges, Acer will become more market-oriented and strive more to improve profit margins, he said.

According to market research firm Gartner, Acer's desktop and laptop shipments totalled 45.5 million in 2010, second to Hewlett Packard.

Acer has recently unveiled four Tablet computers, but analysts have raised doubts that the company can achieve its sales target of 5 to 7 million Tablets this year, in the face of market domination by the attractively priced iPad.

But Wang maintained that consumers are not after low prices only but also want functions other than those the iPad offers.

"For instance, some Tablets can work more like a PC with larger storage capacity to enhance the user's productivity," he said.

Acer pledges to rebound amid slowing sales

Taiwan's Acer Inc has pledged to meet new challenges in the slowing PC market after it replaced its top executive as sales fall amid competition from Tablets and other devices.

Stan Shih, Acer's founder and a board member, acknowledged smartphones and Tablet computers such as Apple's iPad have brought "a far greater impact on the PC industry than we had anticipated."


"I hope once again we can face the challenges with a new strategy ... and push again for corporate reconstruction," Shih said in a statement.

Henry Wang, director of Acer's corporation relations, said the company will seek to enhance its brand by offering users "a different experience" and better services.

Acer announced Thursday that its chief executive Gianfranco Lanci has resigned over differences with board members about the company's future.

The company announced last week its first-quarter results would be worse than expected - a 10% quarter-on-quarter drop in revenue against an earlier forecast of a 3% increase. Acer also missed its revenue target in the previous quarter.

The company said that board members failed to agree with Lanci on various business priorities.
"The personal computer remains the core of our business," J.T. Wang, who's taking over as interim chief executive, said in the statement. "In addition, we are stepping into the new mobile device market, where we will invest cautiously and aim to become one of the leading players."

Wang told fund managers late Thursday that Acer had for years striven mainly to expand the volume of PC sales, and achieved that by gaining a market share of over 30% in many European and Asian countries.

In the face of the new challenges, Acer will become more market-oriented and strive more to improve profit margins, he said.

According to market research firm Gartner, Acer's desktop and laptop shipments totalled 45.5 million in 2010, second to Hewlett Packard.

Acer has recently unveiled four Tablet computers, but analysts have raised doubts that the company can achieve its sales target of 5 to 7 million Tablets this year, in the face of market domination by the attractively priced iPad.

But Wang maintained that consumers are not after low prices only but also want functions other than those the iPad offers.

"For instance, some Tablets can work more like a PC with larger storage capacity to enhance the user's productivity," he said.

Neighborhood Wireless Grid Project Gains Support

Rochester Institute of Technology has joined a group of other institutions working to create and commercialize wireless grid network technologies. The Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed, led by researchers from Syracuse University in New York and Virginia Tech, is developing ways to make use of content and resources present in common devices such as PCs, cameras, phones, printers, etc. connected by a wireless grid and then to find practical applications that can be enabled through their research. The project encompasses dozens of partners, both public and private.

The National Science Foundation has funded a crowdsourcing effort to create a neighborhood notification system specifically in a low-income Syracuse neighborhood. This system would use a wireless grid to allow users to notify each other in the neighborhood if an emergency happens.


Rochester assistant professor Sumita Mishra with research interests in cyber security, data communications on the grid, and sensor networks, is managing the test system's security. Her focus will be to make sure the information that passes through the various system nodes is authenticated and comes from a legitimate source. But it's the practical application to help a community that's of special interest to her.

"Once this technology is developed for the pilot area it can then be implemented in other areas--not just in this country but in the developing world, as well," she said. "It's because this system doesn't depend on infrastructure. It doesn't require cables to be laid down or towers to be built. It is intended for the places that need this technology most, but wouldn't otherwise possess the resources for it to exist."

Project participants are trying to get additional funds from the NSF to develop a prototype and to equip the notification system with a health care component. In particular, Mishra would like see the use of sensor technology to monitor residents' health information. In the event that a medical emergency occurs, a notification could be sent directly to emergency responders.

Other projects underway in the Testbed include academic curriculum support to allow teachers in high schools to collaborate across disciplines and development of networking resources for entrepreneurs.

More information about the Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed can be found here.

Neighborhood Wireless Grid Project Gains Support

Rochester Institute of Technology has joined a group of other institutions working to create and commercialize wireless grid network technologies. The Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed, led by researchers from Syracuse University in New York and Virginia Tech, is developing ways to make use of content and resources present in common devices such as PCs, cameras, phones, printers, etc. connected by a wireless grid and then to find practical applications that can be enabled through their research. The project encompasses dozens of partners, both public and private.

The National Science Foundation has funded a crowdsourcing effort to create a neighborhood notification system specifically in a low-income Syracuse neighborhood. This system would use a wireless grid to allow users to notify each other in the neighborhood if an emergency happens.


Rochester assistant professor Sumita Mishra with research interests in cyber security, data communications on the grid, and sensor networks, is managing the test system's security. Her focus will be to make sure the information that passes through the various system nodes is authenticated and comes from a legitimate source. But it's the practical application to help a community that's of special interest to her.

"Once this technology is developed for the pilot area it can then be implemented in other areas--not just in this country but in the developing world, as well," she said. "It's because this system doesn't depend on infrastructure. It doesn't require cables to be laid down or towers to be built. It is intended for the places that need this technology most, but wouldn't otherwise possess the resources for it to exist."

Project participants are trying to get additional funds from the NSF to develop a prototype and to equip the notification system with a health care component. In particular, Mishra would like see the use of sensor technology to monitor residents' health information. In the event that a medical emergency occurs, a notification could be sent directly to emergency responders.

Other projects underway in the Testbed include academic curriculum support to allow teachers in high schools to collaborate across disciplines and development of networking resources for entrepreneurs.

More information about the Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed can be found here.

Neighborhood Wireless Grid Project Gains Support

Rochester Institute of Technology has joined a group of other institutions working to create and commercialize wireless grid network technologies. The Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed, led by researchers from Syracuse University in New York and Virginia Tech, is developing ways to make use of content and resources present in common devices such as PCs, cameras, phones, printers, etc. connected by a wireless grid and then to find practical applications that can be enabled through their research. The project encompasses dozens of partners, both public and private.

The National Science Foundation has funded a crowdsourcing effort to create a neighborhood notification system specifically in a low-income Syracuse neighborhood. This system would use a wireless grid to allow users to notify each other in the neighborhood if an emergency happens.


Rochester assistant professor Sumita Mishra with research interests in cyber security, data communications on the grid, and sensor networks, is managing the test system's security. Her focus will be to make sure the information that passes through the various system nodes is authenticated and comes from a legitimate source. But it's the practical application to help a community that's of special interest to her.

"Once this technology is developed for the pilot area it can then be implemented in other areas--not just in this country but in the developing world, as well," she said. "It's because this system doesn't depend on infrastructure. It doesn't require cables to be laid down or towers to be built. It is intended for the places that need this technology most, but wouldn't otherwise possess the resources for it to exist."

Project participants are trying to get additional funds from the NSF to develop a prototype and to equip the notification system with a health care component. In particular, Mishra would like see the use of sensor technology to monitor residents' health information. In the event that a medical emergency occurs, a notification could be sent directly to emergency responders.

Other projects underway in the Testbed include academic curriculum support to allow teachers in high schools to collaborate across disciplines and development of networking resources for entrepreneurs.

More information about the Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed can be found here.

Quick review of 3M Pocket Projector: MP180

The newly launched MP180 pocket projector from 3M offers all the features of the earlier models but tops them with a touchscreen and wireless capabilities in the form of WiFi and Bluetooth.

According to the company, operating the palm-sized device is simply a matter of touching the right icons thanks to the 2.4in resistive-based colour touchscreen.

It ships with 4GB of built-in memory as well as a microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB cards. Users can also hook it up to a PC via the mini USB port to transfer files or do so wirelessly via Bluetooth.


With the WiFi switched on, users can also connect the MP180 to the Internet to upload or download files from their blogs, social networking websites or image repository sites.

Also once connected to the Web, users can surf to any website via the device's built-in web browser. A virtual keyboard is available but users can use a Bluetooth keyboard to make typing much easier.

Out of the box, the device is compatible with a wide range of today's popular video output gadgets like smartphones, laptops, camcorderes, cameras and game consoles. Bundled in the package are composite video, USB and VGA cables for the purpose.

3M will also make available an optional Apple cable soon to enable users to connect the projector to either an iPhone or iPad.

Specification-wise, the pocket projector is able to project an image at up to 80in. It offers a maximum resolution of 800 x 600-pixels with a brightness of up to 32 lumens.

Various files can be played directly, including DOC, PPT, XLS, TXT, PDF, BMP, JPG, MP4, MP3, H.264, NTSC, PAL, AMR and AAC. The sound quality has also been improved with more powerful 0.75-watt stereo speakers.

The device also features an audio output in case users want to connect a headphone or external speakers in.

The MP180 comes with a rechargeable battery, which is rated to last up to two hours on a single charge.

Quick review of 3M Pocket Projector: MP180

The newly launched MP180 pocket projector from 3M offers all the features of the earlier models but tops them with a touchscreen and wireless capabilities in the form of WiFi and Bluetooth.

According to the company, operating the palm-sized device is simply a matter of touching the right icons thanks to the 2.4in resistive-based colour touchscreen.

It ships with 4GB of built-in memory as well as a microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB cards. Users can also hook it up to a PC via the mini USB port to transfer files or do so wirelessly via Bluetooth.


With the WiFi switched on, users can also connect the MP180 to the Internet to upload or download files from their blogs, social networking websites or image repository sites.

Also once connected to the Web, users can surf to any website via the device's built-in web browser. A virtual keyboard is available but users can use a Bluetooth keyboard to make typing much easier.

Out of the box, the device is compatible with a wide range of today's popular video output gadgets like smartphones, laptops, camcorderes, cameras and game consoles. Bundled in the package are composite video, USB and VGA cables for the purpose.

3M will also make available an optional Apple cable soon to enable users to connect the projector to either an iPhone or iPad.

Specification-wise, the pocket projector is able to project an image at up to 80in. It offers a maximum resolution of 800 x 600-pixels with a brightness of up to 32 lumens.

Various files can be played directly, including DOC, PPT, XLS, TXT, PDF, BMP, JPG, MP4, MP3, H.264, NTSC, PAL, AMR and AAC. The sound quality has also been improved with more powerful 0.75-watt stereo speakers.

The device also features an audio output in case users want to connect a headphone or external speakers in.

The MP180 comes with a rechargeable battery, which is rated to last up to two hours on a single charge.

Quick review of 3M Pocket Projector: MP180

The newly launched MP180 pocket projector from 3M offers all the features of the earlier models but tops them with a touchscreen and wireless capabilities in the form of WiFi and Bluetooth.

According to the company, operating the palm-sized device is simply a matter of touching the right icons thanks to the 2.4in resistive-based colour touchscreen.

It ships with 4GB of built-in memory as well as a microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB cards. Users can also hook it up to a PC via the mini USB port to transfer files or do so wirelessly via Bluetooth.


With the WiFi switched on, users can also connect the MP180 to the Internet to upload or download files from their blogs, social networking websites or image repository sites.

Also once connected to the Web, users can surf to any website via the device's built-in web browser. A virtual keyboard is available but users can use a Bluetooth keyboard to make typing much easier.

Out of the box, the device is compatible with a wide range of today's popular video output gadgets like smartphones, laptops, camcorderes, cameras and game consoles. Bundled in the package are composite video, USB and VGA cables for the purpose.

3M will also make available an optional Apple cable soon to enable users to connect the projector to either an iPhone or iPad.

Specification-wise, the pocket projector is able to project an image at up to 80in. It offers a maximum resolution of 800 x 600-pixels with a brightness of up to 32 lumens.

Various files can be played directly, including DOC, PPT, XLS, TXT, PDF, BMP, JPG, MP4, MP3, H.264, NTSC, PAL, AMR and AAC. The sound quality has also been improved with more powerful 0.75-watt stereo speakers.

The device also features an audio output in case users want to connect a headphone or external speakers in.

The MP180 comes with a rechargeable battery, which is rated to last up to two hours on a single charge.

Nokia sues Apple again over patents

HELSINKI: Nokia Corp is suing Apple Inc in the United States for allegedly infringing patents in its mobile phones, portable music players, Tablets and computers.

The complaint, filed with United States International Trade Commission, ITC, is the latest in a string of lawsuits by Nokia of Finland and comes as the world's largest handset maker struggles to keep up with smartphone rivals such as Apple.

Apple and Nokia have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touchscreens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

The major phone makers - including Apple, Nokia, Microsoft, Motorola and Taiwan's HTC - are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for any edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.


Companies such as Nokia are also seeking to protect their business as the popular iPhone encroaches on the rest of the industry.

The lawsuits cover all aspects of basic phone use, from technology used to synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts, to methods to extend battery life.

Although these legal disputes generally don't stop products from reaching consumers, litigation can be used to extract licensing fees from competitors. It can also help distract rivals and even discourage them from entering a particular market.

Nokia said the seven patents in the new complaint relate to its "pioneering innovations" that Apple allegedly is using "to create key features in its products, including in multitasking operating systems, data synchronisation, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories."

Lawsuits aplenty

Last week, the United States International Trade Commission found no violation in an earlier complaint. Nokia said it "is waiting to see the full details of the ruling before deciding on the next steps in that case."

Last year, Nokia also sued Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for allegedly infringing its patents with technology used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Those followed earlier lawsuits by Nokia claiming that a broad swath of Apple products violate its patents. Apple had earlier responded with its own infringement claims against Nokia.

"Our latest ITC filing means we now have 46 Nokia patents in suit against Apple, many filed more than 10 years before Apple made its first iPhone," said Paul Melin, vice-president of intellectual property at Nokia.

"Nokia is a leading innovator in technologies needed to build great mobile products and Apple must stop building its products using Nokia's proprietary innovation."

The legal disputes come amid increasing competition in the fast-growing smartphone market. Tech companies are scrambling to win over the growing number of consumers buying handsets that come with e-mail, websurfing and scores of apps for checking the weather, updating Facebook and other tasks.

Nokia has been struggling against stiff competition, especially from the iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Nokia said that during the past two decades it has invested some 43bil euro in research and development to build "one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios," which includes more than 10,000 patent families.

In addition to the two ITC complaints, Nokia said it has filed cases on the same patents and others in Delaware, and has further cases proceeding in Mannheim, Dusseldorf and the Federal Patent Court in Germany, the British High Court in London and the District Court of the Hague in the Netherlands.

Some of these will come to trial in the next few months. - AP

Nokia sues Apple again over patents

HELSINKI: Nokia Corp is suing Apple Inc in the United States for allegedly infringing patents in its mobile phones, portable music players, Tablets and computers.

The complaint, filed with United States International Trade Commission, ITC, is the latest in a string of lawsuits by Nokia of Finland and comes as the world's largest handset maker struggles to keep up with smartphone rivals such as Apple.

Apple and Nokia have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touchscreens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

The major phone makers - including Apple, Nokia, Microsoft, Motorola and Taiwan's HTC - are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for any edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.


Companies such as Nokia are also seeking to protect their business as the popular iPhone encroaches on the rest of the industry.

The lawsuits cover all aspects of basic phone use, from technology used to synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts, to methods to extend battery life.

Although these legal disputes generally don't stop products from reaching consumers, litigation can be used to extract licensing fees from competitors. It can also help distract rivals and even discourage them from entering a particular market.

Nokia said the seven patents in the new complaint relate to its "pioneering innovations" that Apple allegedly is using "to create key features in its products, including in multitasking operating systems, data synchronisation, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories."

Lawsuits aplenty

Last week, the United States International Trade Commission found no violation in an earlier complaint. Nokia said it "is waiting to see the full details of the ruling before deciding on the next steps in that case."

Last year, Nokia also sued Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for allegedly infringing its patents with technology used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Those followed earlier lawsuits by Nokia claiming that a broad swath of Apple products violate its patents. Apple had earlier responded with its own infringement claims against Nokia.

"Our latest ITC filing means we now have 46 Nokia patents in suit against Apple, many filed more than 10 years before Apple made its first iPhone," said Paul Melin, vice-president of intellectual property at Nokia.

"Nokia is a leading innovator in technologies needed to build great mobile products and Apple must stop building its products using Nokia's proprietary innovation."

The legal disputes come amid increasing competition in the fast-growing smartphone market. Tech companies are scrambling to win over the growing number of consumers buying handsets that come with e-mail, websurfing and scores of apps for checking the weather, updating Facebook and other tasks.

Nokia has been struggling against stiff competition, especially from the iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Nokia said that during the past two decades it has invested some 43bil euro in research and development to build "one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios," which includes more than 10,000 patent families.

In addition to the two ITC complaints, Nokia said it has filed cases on the same patents and others in Delaware, and has further cases proceeding in Mannheim, Dusseldorf and the Federal Patent Court in Germany, the British High Court in London and the District Court of the Hague in the Netherlands.

Some of these will come to trial in the next few months. - AP

Nokia sues Apple again over patents

HELSINKI: Nokia Corp is suing Apple Inc in the United States for allegedly infringing patents in its mobile phones, portable music players, Tablets and computers.

The complaint, filed with United States International Trade Commission, ITC, is the latest in a string of lawsuits by Nokia of Finland and comes as the world's largest handset maker struggles to keep up with smartphone rivals such as Apple.

Apple and Nokia have been locked in a long-running legal battle over patent claims, with each side accusing the other of infringing on patents that cover features such as swiping gestures on touchscreens and the built-in "app store" for downloading updated programs.

The major phone makers - including Apple, Nokia, Microsoft, Motorola and Taiwan's HTC - are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for any edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.


Companies such as Nokia are also seeking to protect their business as the popular iPhone encroaches on the rest of the industry.

The lawsuits cover all aspects of basic phone use, from technology used to synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts, to methods to extend battery life.

Although these legal disputes generally don't stop products from reaching consumers, litigation can be used to extract licensing fees from competitors. It can also help distract rivals and even discourage them from entering a particular market.

Nokia said the seven patents in the new complaint relate to its "pioneering innovations" that Apple allegedly is using "to create key features in its products, including in multitasking operating systems, data synchronisation, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories."

Lawsuits aplenty

Last week, the United States International Trade Commission found no violation in an earlier complaint. Nokia said it "is waiting to see the full details of the ruling before deciding on the next steps in that case."

Last year, Nokia also sued Apple in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands for allegedly infringing its patents with technology used in the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Those followed earlier lawsuits by Nokia claiming that a broad swath of Apple products violate its patents. Apple had earlier responded with its own infringement claims against Nokia.

"Our latest ITC filing means we now have 46 Nokia patents in suit against Apple, many filed more than 10 years before Apple made its first iPhone," said Paul Melin, vice-president of intellectual property at Nokia.

"Nokia is a leading innovator in technologies needed to build great mobile products and Apple must stop building its products using Nokia's proprietary innovation."

The legal disputes come amid increasing competition in the fast-growing smartphone market. Tech companies are scrambling to win over the growing number of consumers buying handsets that come with e-mail, websurfing and scores of apps for checking the weather, updating Facebook and other tasks.

Nokia has been struggling against stiff competition, especially from the iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry.

Nokia said that during the past two decades it has invested some 43bil euro in research and development to build "one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios," which includes more than 10,000 patent families.

In addition to the two ITC complaints, Nokia said it has filed cases on the same patents and others in Delaware, and has further cases proceeding in Mannheim, Dusseldorf and the Federal Patent Court in Germany, the British High Court in London and the District Court of the Hague in the Netherlands.

Some of these will come to trial in the next few months. - AP

Quick review of Lenovo LePad

Chinese computer giant Lenovo has warned that supplies of its just-released Tablet computer could be restricted if the earthquake and tsunami in Japan disrupts production of memory chips.

The LePad - powered by Google's Android software - was just launched in China at a Chinese-media only event.

Lenovo is competing for a share of an increasingly crowded market dominated by Apple's iPad.
Lenovo will sell the LePad directly to Chinese consumers through its own retail stores and will put it on sale outside China by June, spokesman Jay Chen told Dow Jones Newswires.

But Lenovo vice-president Chen Xudong said stocks of the devices could be hit if the twin disasters in Japan lead to a supply squeeze.


The quake-tsunami on March 11 led to the closure of hundreds of factories in Japan and the breaking of supply chains crucial to making cars, electronic gadgets and machinery.
Lenovo does not know how long the possible disruption will last.

The news comes after research firm IHS iSuppli reported that Apple could face shortages of components for its new iPad 2 because of the earthquake and tsunami.

Other companies are facing similar problems. ZTE Corp, a Chinese maker of telecoms equipment, said it expects supply problems from Japan to last for the next three to six months.

Lenovo said it is aggressively pursuing the mobile Internet device business and had established a special division - the Mobile Internet and Digital Home Business Group - this year to better compete.

"The LePad is the first major launch since the business group's founding, we are confident in it and will continue to enrich its product line with better performing products and a richer selection of styles," Lenovo said.

In addition to the iPad, Lenovo's new Tablet will compete against gadgets from other major electronics companies such as Dell, Samsung Electronics and BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion.
It faces tough competition. Apple's iPad accounts for 73% of the global Tablet market in the fourth quarter, according to data from IDC while Samsung's Galaxy Tab has a more than 17% market share.

Competitive pricing

LePad - which was first unveiled in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas - has a 10.1in colour screen and connects to the Internet using WiFi or 3G telecoms services.

In China, models equipped with WiFi wireless technology will carry a recommended price tag of 3,499 yuan (US$533) for the 16-gigabyte version, the company said.

It did not say when it would go on sale, but pre-orders began on March 16.

Lenovo, which bought IBM's PC business in 2004 for US$1.25bil, had roughly 27% of its home market last year and was ranked fourth globally with a share of about 8%, IDC said.

Research firm Gartner estimates total Tablet shipments will reach 54.8 million units in 2011, draining demand for laptops and notebook computers.

Apple sold 15 million iPads last year, generating US$10bil in revenue and establishing the multitasking device as a "must-have" consumer item for many.

Quick review of Lenovo LePad

Chinese computer giant Lenovo has warned that supplies of its just-released Tablet computer could be restricted if the earthquake and tsunami in Japan disrupts production of memory chips.

The LePad - powered by Google's Android software - was just launched in China at a Chinese-media only event.

Lenovo is competing for a share of an increasingly crowded market dominated by Apple's iPad.
Lenovo will sell the LePad directly to Chinese consumers through its own retail stores and will put it on sale outside China by June, spokesman Jay Chen told Dow Jones Newswires.

But Lenovo vice-president Chen Xudong said stocks of the devices could be hit if the twin disasters in Japan lead to a supply squeeze.


The quake-tsunami on March 11 led to the closure of hundreds of factories in Japan and the breaking of supply chains crucial to making cars, electronic gadgets and machinery.
Lenovo does not know how long the possible disruption will last.

The news comes after research firm IHS iSuppli reported that Apple could face shortages of components for its new iPad 2 because of the earthquake and tsunami.

Other companies are facing similar problems. ZTE Corp, a Chinese maker of telecoms equipment, said it expects supply problems from Japan to last for the next three to six months.

Lenovo said it is aggressively pursuing the mobile Internet device business and had established a special division - the Mobile Internet and Digital Home Business Group - this year to better compete.

"The LePad is the first major launch since the business group's founding, we are confident in it and will continue to enrich its product line with better performing products and a richer selection of styles," Lenovo said.

In addition to the iPad, Lenovo's new Tablet will compete against gadgets from other major electronics companies such as Dell, Samsung Electronics and BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion.
It faces tough competition. Apple's iPad accounts for 73% of the global Tablet market in the fourth quarter, according to data from IDC while Samsung's Galaxy Tab has a more than 17% market share.

Competitive pricing

LePad - which was first unveiled in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas - has a 10.1in colour screen and connects to the Internet using WiFi or 3G telecoms services.

In China, models equipped with WiFi wireless technology will carry a recommended price tag of 3,499 yuan (US$533) for the 16-gigabyte version, the company said.

It did not say when it would go on sale, but pre-orders began on March 16.

Lenovo, which bought IBM's PC business in 2004 for US$1.25bil, had roughly 27% of its home market last year and was ranked fourth globally with a share of about 8%, IDC said.

Research firm Gartner estimates total Tablet shipments will reach 54.8 million units in 2011, draining demand for laptops and notebook computers.

Apple sold 15 million iPads last year, generating US$10bil in revenue and establishing the multitasking device as a "must-have" consumer item for many.

Quick review of Lenovo LePad

Chinese computer giant Lenovo has warned that supplies of its just-released Tablet computer could be restricted if the earthquake and tsunami in Japan disrupts production of memory chips.

The LePad - powered by Google's Android software - was just launched in China at a Chinese-media only event.

Lenovo is competing for a share of an increasingly crowded market dominated by Apple's iPad.
Lenovo will sell the LePad directly to Chinese consumers through its own retail stores and will put it on sale outside China by June, spokesman Jay Chen told Dow Jones Newswires.

But Lenovo vice-president Chen Xudong said stocks of the devices could be hit if the twin disasters in Japan lead to a supply squeeze.


The quake-tsunami on March 11 led to the closure of hundreds of factories in Japan and the breaking of supply chains crucial to making cars, electronic gadgets and machinery.
Lenovo does not know how long the possible disruption will last.

The news comes after research firm IHS iSuppli reported that Apple could face shortages of components for its new iPad 2 because of the earthquake and tsunami.

Other companies are facing similar problems. ZTE Corp, a Chinese maker of telecoms equipment, said it expects supply problems from Japan to last for the next three to six months.

Lenovo said it is aggressively pursuing the mobile Internet device business and had established a special division - the Mobile Internet and Digital Home Business Group - this year to better compete.

"The LePad is the first major launch since the business group's founding, we are confident in it and will continue to enrich its product line with better performing products and a richer selection of styles," Lenovo said.

In addition to the iPad, Lenovo's new Tablet will compete against gadgets from other major electronics companies such as Dell, Samsung Electronics and BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion.
It faces tough competition. Apple's iPad accounts for 73% of the global Tablet market in the fourth quarter, according to data from IDC while Samsung's Galaxy Tab has a more than 17% market share.

Competitive pricing

LePad - which was first unveiled in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas - has a 10.1in colour screen and connects to the Internet using WiFi or 3G telecoms services.

In China, models equipped with WiFi wireless technology will carry a recommended price tag of 3,499 yuan (US$533) for the 16-gigabyte version, the company said.

It did not say when it would go on sale, but pre-orders began on March 16.

Lenovo, which bought IBM's PC business in 2004 for US$1.25bil, had roughly 27% of its home market last year and was ranked fourth globally with a share of about 8%, IDC said.

Research firm Gartner estimates total Tablet shipments will reach 54.8 million units in 2011, draining demand for laptops and notebook computers.

Apple sold 15 million iPads last year, generating US$10bil in revenue and establishing the multitasking device as a "must-have" consumer item for many.

Acer Iconia - Reviewed

Iconia 484G64

Acer has entered the Windows 7-based Tablets fray with the launch of the Iconia 484G64 and Iconia Tab W500.

Featuring not one, but two touchscreen displays, the Iconia 484G64 is the highlight of Acer's new Tablet lineup.

Both 14in LED-backlit touchscreens have a 1,366 x 768-pixel resolution and supports multi-touch input for up to 10-finger touches.

Acer said users will be able to create their own custom gestures to open applications or websites using the "Gesture Editor" feature.

To type text, users need only to place both palms on the bottom screen to bring up a full-size virtual Qwerty keyboard.

Though the screens are ultra-thin they are extremely durable with a scratch resistant surface, the company said.

The dual-screen Tablet is powered by an Intel Core i5-480M (2.6GHz) processor and comes with 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 640GB hard disk and integrated Intel HD graphics.

Other features include an Acer Crystal Eye webcam and Dolby-enhanced audio.

The Iconia 484G64 has a four-cell battery that Acer claimed offers up three hours of usage.

Meanwhile, the Iconia Tab W500 is a unique hybrid Tablet that can be used like a regular Tablet for portability and as a standard notebook via a dockable keyboard.

Iconia Tab W500

The extremely portable Tablet only weighs 970g and has a 10.1in LED-backlit touchscreen (1,280 x 800-pixels) that supports finger-touch and auto-screen orientation.

The Tablet is equipped with an AMD C-50 (1GHz) processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM and AMD Radeon HD6250 graphics.

It also has a 32GB SSD (solid state drive) for internal storage as well as enhanced Dolby audio support.

The Iconia Tab W500 has dual Acer Crystal Eye webcams - on the front and back of the Tablet - for taking pictures and video chatting.

Other features include HDMI support and a 2-in-1 SD and MMC card reader. Acer claims the Tablet's three-cell battery will last up to six hours.

In terms of connectivity, both Tablets support Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet and HDMI.

The Iconia 484G64 is available now at RM3,699 while the Iconia Tab W500 will be available next month for RM1,699.

A new Timeline

Acer also launched its latest 14in Aspire TimelineX 4830TG notebook. The notebook has an Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.3GHz), 4GB DDR3 RAM and a 640GB hard disk.

Aspire TimelineX 4830TG

In terms of graphics, it packs in an nVidia GeForce GT540 card. It also has Optimized Dolby Home Theatre audio enhancement and HDMI connectivity.

Its six-cell battery is said to give up to eight hours of usage.

Additionally the notebook comes with an 8x DVD Super Multidrive as well as a multi-card reader.

The Aspire TimelineX 4830TG will hit local store shelves at the end of April

Acer Iconia - Reviewed

Iconia 484G64

Acer has entered the Windows 7-based Tablets fray with the launch of the Iconia 484G64 and Iconia Tab W500.

Featuring not one, but two touchscreen displays, the Iconia 484G64 is the highlight of Acer's new Tablet lineup.

Both 14in LED-backlit touchscreens have a 1,366 x 768-pixel resolution and supports multi-touch input for up to 10-finger touches.

Acer said users will be able to create their own custom gestures to open applications or websites using the "Gesture Editor" feature.

To type text, users need only to place both palms on the bottom screen to bring up a full-size virtual Qwerty keyboard.

Though the screens are ultra-thin they are extremely durable with a scratch resistant surface, the company said.

The dual-screen Tablet is powered by an Intel Core i5-480M (2.6GHz) processor and comes with 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 640GB hard disk and integrated Intel HD graphics.

Other features include an Acer Crystal Eye webcam and Dolby-enhanced audio.

The Iconia 484G64 has a four-cell battery that Acer claimed offers up three hours of usage.

Meanwhile, the Iconia Tab W500 is a unique hybrid Tablet that can be used like a regular Tablet for portability and as a standard notebook via a dockable keyboard.

Iconia Tab W500

The extremely portable Tablet only weighs 970g and has a 10.1in LED-backlit touchscreen (1,280 x 800-pixels) that supports finger-touch and auto-screen orientation.

The Tablet is equipped with an AMD C-50 (1GHz) processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM and AMD Radeon HD6250 graphics.

It also has a 32GB SSD (solid state drive) for internal storage as well as enhanced Dolby audio support.

The Iconia Tab W500 has dual Acer Crystal Eye webcams - on the front and back of the Tablet - for taking pictures and video chatting.

Other features include HDMI support and a 2-in-1 SD and MMC card reader. Acer claims the Tablet's three-cell battery will last up to six hours.

In terms of connectivity, both Tablets support Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet and HDMI.

The Iconia 484G64 is available now at RM3,699 while the Iconia Tab W500 will be available next month for RM1,699.

A new Timeline

Acer also launched its latest 14in Aspire TimelineX 4830TG notebook. The notebook has an Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.3GHz), 4GB DDR3 RAM and a 640GB hard disk.

Aspire TimelineX 4830TG

In terms of graphics, it packs in an nVidia GeForce GT540 card. It also has Optimized Dolby Home Theatre audio enhancement and HDMI connectivity.

Its six-cell battery is said to give up to eight hours of usage.

Additionally the notebook comes with an 8x DVD Super Multidrive as well as a multi-card reader.

The Aspire TimelineX 4830TG will hit local store shelves at the end of April

Acer Iconia - Reviewed

Iconia 484G64

Acer has entered the Windows 7-based Tablets fray with the launch of the Iconia 484G64 and Iconia Tab W500.

Featuring not one, but two touchscreen displays, the Iconia 484G64 is the highlight of Acer's new Tablet lineup.

Both 14in LED-backlit touchscreens have a 1,366 x 768-pixel resolution and supports multi-touch input for up to 10-finger touches.

Acer said users will be able to create their own custom gestures to open applications or websites using the "Gesture Editor" feature.

To type text, users need only to place both palms on the bottom screen to bring up a full-size virtual Qwerty keyboard.

Though the screens are ultra-thin they are extremely durable with a scratch resistant surface, the company said.

The dual-screen Tablet is powered by an Intel Core i5-480M (2.6GHz) processor and comes with 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 640GB hard disk and integrated Intel HD graphics.

Other features include an Acer Crystal Eye webcam and Dolby-enhanced audio.

The Iconia 484G64 has a four-cell battery that Acer claimed offers up three hours of usage.

Meanwhile, the Iconia Tab W500 is a unique hybrid Tablet that can be used like a regular Tablet for portability and as a standard notebook via a dockable keyboard.

Iconia Tab W500

The extremely portable Tablet only weighs 970g and has a 10.1in LED-backlit touchscreen (1,280 x 800-pixels) that supports finger-touch and auto-screen orientation.

The Tablet is equipped with an AMD C-50 (1GHz) processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM and AMD Radeon HD6250 graphics.

It also has a 32GB SSD (solid state drive) for internal storage as well as enhanced Dolby audio support.

The Iconia Tab W500 has dual Acer Crystal Eye webcams - on the front and back of the Tablet - for taking pictures and video chatting.

Other features include HDMI support and a 2-in-1 SD and MMC card reader. Acer claims the Tablet's three-cell battery will last up to six hours.

In terms of connectivity, both Tablets support Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet and HDMI.

The Iconia 484G64 is available now at RM3,699 while the Iconia Tab W500 will be available next month for RM1,699.

A new Timeline

Acer also launched its latest 14in Aspire TimelineX 4830TG notebook. The notebook has an Intel Core i5-2410M processor (2.3GHz), 4GB DDR3 RAM and a 640GB hard disk.

Aspire TimelineX 4830TG

In terms of graphics, it packs in an nVidia GeForce GT540 card. It also has Optimized Dolby Home Theatre audio enhancement and HDMI connectivity.

Its six-cell battery is said to give up to eight hours of usage.

Additionally the notebook comes with an 8x DVD Super Multidrive as well as a multi-card reader.

The Aspire TimelineX 4830TG will hit local store shelves at the end of April