Hasta La Gadget!

We haven’t heard much about the Gateway EC18T since we saw all those leaked pics back in October, but it looks like things are starting to move: the convertible tablet just hit the FCC database, complete with some more external pictures. From all appearances, it looks like this one’s going to be a family affair, as the machine itself will be sold by Gateway parent company Acer as the Aspire Timeline 1420P, and the FCC docs indicate sister company Packard Bell will have a version as well. Badging aside, inside we’re looking at a 1.2GHz SU2300 Core 2 Duo with GMA 4500MHD graphics, up to 8GB of RAM, a 500GB max drive, an 11.6-inch screen, and an eight-hour battery life — so depending on price, this one could be pretty attractive. We’ll wait to see how long it takes before one version or another escapes the government and hits store shelves.

Gateway EC18T / Acer Aspire 1420P convertible tablet hits the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asus Eee PC T101MT revealed by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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“The Atom is dead, long live the Atom.” The long awaited upgrade of Intel’s netbook platform is gathering pace, and latest to join the ranks is Samsung with its 3G and GPS-equipped N150. Powered by Qualcomm’s Gobi 2000 chip, the connectivity on this lite laptop will not go lacking, though Sammy disappoints with the rest of its specs. According to a very early listing on Neobits, the 10.1-inch screen sticks with a now barely acceptable 1,024 x 600 resolution, while RAM and storage are limited to the eons old 1GB and 160GB, respectively. Windows 7 Starter Edition, a 4,400mAh battery, and the typical 3 USB ports, 802.11b/g/n wireless and a 3-in-1 card reader fill out the rest of the unremarkable data sheet. Still, the presently listed price is under $374, which is right on par with the N140, meaning complaints are allowed (but should be kept to a low hush of disgruntlement, ya dig?).

Samsung N150 brings 3G and GPS to Pine Trail party, spotted at FCC and retail sites originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Might this make it by the end of the year? Camangi has been touting its “early bird” pre-orders for the WebStation Android tablet for nearly a month now, and has been indicating things would ship before the month is through. Now we have confirmation that if that date doesn’t happen you won’t be able to blame the FCC. Our favorite US independent agency (next to NASA) issued its approval of the device back on November 14, and shared some lovely disassembly pictures for good measure (after the break). This means the thing isn’t likely to kill you or to make your TV go all weird, but doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll hit your mailbox before the holidays are over. That, dear readers, is up to a higher power: Santa Claus.

Continue reading Camangi WebStation makes FCC test bench appearance, torn down for good measure

Camangi WebStation makes FCC test bench appearance, torn down for good measure originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even though the FCC just gave Verizon until Monday to respond to its inquiries regarding the company’s new $350 “advanced device” early termination fee, they’ve shown some hustle here and delivered their 77 (yes, seventy-seven) page response today. Here are the two big takeaways consumers are going to care about:

• The company justifies the advanced device ETF a couple ways; it starts out by referring to some 2003 statements by the FCC in which the Commission says that it doesn’t support the concept of customers breaking contracts and that carriers have a right to recoup those fees. Of course, that really doesn’t drive to the point here, which is that Verizon’s now charging two completely different ETFs based on a rather arbitrary line in the sand drawn by Verizon; to that end, the carrier says that the additional cost it incurs to procure the devices on its advanced list is greater than the difference between the two ETFs ($175) on average. It also says that it needs that extra guaranteed revenue to keep its broadband network up to snuff, since advanced devices are more likely to strain it.
• Regarding the weirdness at the end of the contract — where a customer still owes $120 23 months into a two-year deal — Verizon says that it’s still losing money (read: we should be thankful they’re prorating at all). As an example, it says that its average loss for a customer canceling 12 months into a contract is about double the $230 prorated ETF on an advanced device, and that statistically speaking, customers are far more likely to cancel early on than late. While we don’t doubt that, we think they’re trying to divert the conversation here just a bit.

It’s hard to say whether these responses are going to sate the FCC on the matter, but seeing how Verizon’s showing no signs that it’s interesting in changing its policies, this could still turn into a battle royale. Stay tuned — something tells us this isn’t the last we’ll hear on the matter.

[Thanks, Daniel P.]

Verizon to FCC: hey, you said ETFs were okay! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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