Hasta La Gadget!

Know what really sells a Honeycomb-based tablet? No, not its 10.1-inch display, Tegra 2 processor, nor those 32GBs of storage space — it’s the background music, man. Someone in Lenovo’s marketing department must have an iTunes library chock full o’department store-worthy Lite FM jams, because that schmaltzy muzak is all over its dozen-plus IdeaPad K1 how-to videos. We’re kind of disappointed the company couldn’t get Lisa Stansfield for a voice-over cameo, but hey — who says we’re living in a perfect universe? Prospective IdeaPad owners should check the source, where they’ll be treated to such instructional, chart-topping gems like “Getting to know your Tablet,” or our personal favorite “Adding and Removing Shortcuts.” All kidding aside, we still don’t have a firm date on this tablet’s launch, but with its FCC presence cleared expect to see it sooner rather than later.

Continue reading Lenovo IdeaPad K1’s videos pair easy listening with helpful how-to’s (video)

Lenovo IdeaPad K1’s videos pair easy listening with helpful how-to’s (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Netbook News  |  Lenovo  | Email this | Comments

Almost on schedule, Acer has started pushing out an update for its Iconia Tab A500 that will upgrade the 10-inch slate to Android 3.1. If you’ll recall, the update actually leaked late last month, but would have required folks to take the risk of flashing their tablets. As is often the case, it’s unclear how long the roll-out will last, so don’t be crestfallen if you can’t enjoy those resizeable widgets just yet. For those of you who did wake up to an update, have at it — and do tell us how it goes.

Acer starts rolling out Android 3.1 update for the Iconia Tab A500 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Electronista  | Email this | Comments

Continue reading Toshiba Thrive WiFi tablet hitting Best Buy on July 10th?

Toshiba Thrive WiFi tablet hitting Best Buy on July 10th? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 02:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Sharp sends another Galapagos tablet through the FCC, keeps all the pertinent details to itself originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  FCC  | Email this | Comments

In the market for a $750 Android tablet with an IT-controlled closed ecosystem, Atom processor, and a requisite middle man to place your order? Then you probably work for a corporation. Cisco’s Cius Android tablet was designed with a Cisco infrastructure in mind, focusing heavily on security and integration with other products. Sure, you can watch HD video or play Angry Birds (if IT is willing to flip the switch on game downloads), but you’ll mostly be using the Cius to join WebEx presentations, TelePresence conferences, and access custom enterprise apps — this is not the tablet to give your kids, for someone just looking to browse the web, or really for anyone not working at a company that already depends heavily on Cisco services. Basically, if a Cius magically appears on your desk one day, you’ll know it’s right for you.

Today Cisco launched AppHQ, a custom app store created to give IT departments complete control over device app loading, allowing them to limit access only to enterprise apps, or the entire Android Market. We went hands-on with the tablet and AppHQ at the company’s offices in NYC, and were impressed with the tablet’s ability to integrate seamlessly with Cisco services. Even though Cius isn’t intended to be used for entertainment, it’s designed to be both your primary portable device and desktop workstation — so that ability to play HD video will definitely come in handy. You can access all of Cisco’s popular communications tools, making private calls as you walk, joining a video conference from the train over AT&T or Verizon LTE, and then slipping the device into its dock once you reach the office, which adds speakerphone functionality, three USB ports, video out, and even Ethernet connectivity. You can use Cius to access an offsite virtual Windows desktop, using a mouse, keyboard, and monitor to control your primary machine. The tablet has begun rolling out to some clients and will be available worldwide on July 31st. You’ll need to reach out to your Cisco sales rep to make a purchase, but jump past the break for a quick look in our hands-on video.

Continue reading Cisco Cius Android tablet hands-on (video)

Cisco Cius Android tablet hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Cisco  | Email this | Comments