Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet now available for order, priced at $500 and up

It’s been a while coming, but Lenovo’s ThinkPad tablet has finally made its way to market. As expected, the line of Honeycomb slates is now available for order on the company’s product page, with the 16GB, WiFi-only model priced at $500 and 3G-enabled versions going for $570 (32GB) and $670 (64GB). The 10.1-inch, NVIDIA Tegra 2-powered tablets are expected to begin shipping on August 29th, but you can order one now, at the source link below.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet now available for order, priced at $500 and up originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks?

As the world waits for Apple to release the iPhone 5, Reuters is reporting that Cupertino may be refreshing the iPhone 4, as well. According to two anonymous sources “with knowledge of the matter,” an unnamed Korean manufacturer has already begun producing parts for a cheaper, 8GB version of the smartphone, slated to launch within the next few weeks. As for that next-gen handset, the insiders went on to say that the iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 will feature a more spacious touchscreen, better antenna and eight megapixel shooter, and that Apple is indeed aiming for a late September launch, after having already asked manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron to prep their facilities for the production of 45 million units, altogether. Details, as usual, are still scarce at this point, but we’ll let you know as soon as we get more information.

Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM launches new BlackBerry Curve (video)

Want to get your BBM on in style without spending a fortune on RIM’s latest trio? Say hello to the new 11mm (0.43 inch) thin BlackBerry Curve, now official in 3 variants — the dual-mode GSM / CDMA 9370, the GSM / UMTS 9360 and the CDMA-only 9350. These long rumored handsets feature an 800MHz CPU, 512MB RAM, a tiny 2.44-inch HVGA+ (480×360 pixel) display, a five megapixel EDoF camera (with LED flash and VGA video recording), Bluetooth, WiFi b/g/n with UMA, GPS / aGPS and NFC. While there’s no sign of that new-fangled touch screen technology, you’ll find BlackBerry 7 under the hood, along with a 1000mAh battery to keep it ticking all day long, 512MB of built-in storage (1GB on the 9370) and microSD card support (up to 32GB). RIM is still mum on pricing, but the new BlackBerry Curve is “expected to be available from carriers in Canada this month and from other carriers around the world beginning in September” — including Vodafone, based on the video (and PR) after the break. We’ll have a hands-on later today so stay tuned for more.

Update: It’s official, the BlackBerry Curve 9350 will be coming to Sprint on September 9th for a perfectly reasonable $80 — provided you’re willing to sign a two year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate. We’ve tacked on the PR after the break.

Continue reading RIM launches new BlackBerry Curve (video)

RIM launches new BlackBerry Curve (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceThe Official BlackBerry Blog  | Email this | Comments

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray shows up on Vodafone UK, inches towards launch

If you’ve been counting down the days leading up to the Xperia Ray’s release, get set to add a few more X’s to that calendar. A recent product page over on Vodafone UK teases an imminent launch for the svelte, Sony Ericsson handset, and slims down that multi-hued selection to one gold-backed option. The 3.3-incher had previously been up for pre-order on Play.com with a purported mid-August release, only to see that date slip back into the folds of September. Whenever the phone does finally make it to market, expect to see this quadband HSPA-capable device sporting an 854 x 480 Reality display, 1GHz processor, 8.1 megapixel rear-facing camera and Android 2.3. Import-minded types can look forward to running an unlocked version on AT&T, or just wait around for a potential stateside release. Eager for more info? Then head to the source below where you can sign-up for the deets.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray shows up on Vodafone UK, inches towards launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceVodafone UK  | Email this | Comments

RIM to unleash redesigned BlackBerry App World 3.0 on August 22nd

Hot on the heels of releasing its new device arsenal, RIM is prepping to roll out a brand spanking new BlackBerry App World. Scheduled to launch Monday, version 3.0 features a retooled interface for quick perusal of apps, games and themes — if the beta release is any indication. Another added feature is the My World storage folder that keeps all of your downloads on the home screen and lets you wirelessly reinstall them should you accidentally delete one or upgrade devices. Sure, there are rumblings that the BB music service will be a part of this release, but as Reuters reported, that announcement isn’t expected until early September. Although, this update would complete the new smartphone trifecta rather nicely: new device, new OS and new app store. Well done, RIM, now if you could just get your advertising in order, you’ll be all set.

RIM to unleash redesigned BlackBerry App World 3.0 on August 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 02:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to dock with the ISS later this fall

With the Space Shuttle program now boldly going nowhere, it’s up to NASA partners like SpaceX to deliver on the interstellar milestones. Scheduled for a launch on November 30th of this year, the Elon Musk-funded Dragon spacecraft is set to dock for the first time with the International Space Station. The planned cargo delivery is expected to be a watershed moment for the space program, as it will cement the agency’s private-public commercial endeavors, heralding the “beginning of a new era in space travel.” NASA has already given the company conditional approval to merge its two planned test flights — COTS Demo 2 and COTS Demo 3 — into this singular mission, with formal authorization contingent upon the “resolution of any potential risks.” If all goes according to plan later this year, get set to embrace a brave new world of galactic travel — one where Musk ushers us into the stars.

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to dock with the ISS later this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Geek.com  |  sourceSpaceX  | Email this | Comments

HP Pre 3 now available for purchase on official European store

Pop quiz: what’s the best way to launch a phone that’s left us waiting with anticipation for seven months? HP’s answer is to quietly release it on its European store without any pomp or circumstance. We have no idea why the company chose to start selling the Pre 3, its new flagship phone, without any media buzz; the important thing here, however, is that the SIM-free device is now available for purchase on the Palm Eurostore. The phone can be all yours for £299 — the equivalent of $490 in the US — which is a respectable price point for a no-commitment smartphone of its caliber. So far we’ve only seen the phone get pushed out across the pond; European retailers Clove and Box are following HP’s lead by offering the Pre 3 as well, just in case the official store runs out of stock. It’s probably not too likely, given the company’s lack of marketing efforts on this particular launch, but we could always be surprised. After all, we’ve been waiting for seven months.

Update: PreCentral just received an official statement from HP confirming that the Pre 3 is indeed launching in Europe, and more information will be available for the US soon. Here’s the full quote:

HP is excited to begin its regional rollout of Pre3, the only phone today that offers users a slide-out keyboard coupled with a large touchscreen and the fastest speed (1.4GHz processor – the fastest on the market). We expect to share additional information for U.S. customers soon.

So that’s it — a four-line announcement to launch the Pre 3. But hey, it’s at least something.

HP Pre 3 now available for purchase on official European store originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PreCentral  |  sourcePalmEurostore, PreCentral  | Email this | Comments

AT&T postponing the LG Thrill 4G to September 4?

Are you excited that a 3D phone is coming to AT&T? If you answered yes, sit down and think happy thoughts, because we’re now hearing that the Thrill 4G — aka the LG Optimus 3D — may be delayed once more. According to a screenshot leaked from Radio Shack, the ill-fated device is getting pushed back to a tentative September 4th launch date for unknown reasons. As such, the reseller’s putting a halt on pre-orders of the phone until further notice. We’ve reached out to AT&T for official comment and will let you know if we hear anything back. Regardless, at the rate this phone is going, the Thrill is quickly devolving into a depression.

AT&T postponing the LG Thrill 4G to September 4? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xiaomi Phone with MIUI OS: a $310 Android with 1.5GHz dual-core SoC and other surprises

If you’ve already seen the Xiaomi M1 announcement about a month ago, well, forget it, because Xiaomi has already made some significant changes since then. What we’ve just learned from today’s Beijing launch event is that the M1 — now officially “Xiaomi Phone” — no longer packs a 1.2GHz dual-core chip; instead, it’s been given a bump to a Qualcomm MSM8260 SoC, thus becoming the first Chinese phone to sport a 1.5GHz dual-core chip. As part of the Snapdragon package, the phone is also powered by a powerful Adreno 220 graphics processor, which will no doubt make good use of the phone’s 1GB RAM and a staggering 4GB ROM. Oh, and that ¥2,600 (about US$410) price tag? It’s now ¥1,999 ($310), and will be available for pre-order on August 29th for October delivery. Read on for more surprises!

Update: We’ve just been informed that there will also be a 1.2GHz version available for an even cheaper price!

Update 2: Our hands-on post is up!

Continue reading Xiaomi Phone with MIUI OS: a $310 Android with 1.5GHz dual-core SoC and other surprises

Xiaomi Phone with MIUI OS: a $310 Android with 1.5GHz dual-core SoC and other surprises originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: TabCo’s tease

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology

Tomorrow, we will find out whether TabCo is a FabCo, a DrabCo, or a skunkworks LabCo, ending the best guessing game to hit the tech industry since the identity of Fake Steve Jobs.

The significant spend on the PR campaign (to quote TabCo’s Web site, “That skywriting stuff isn’t cheap, you know. Neither are these videos.”) as well as a reference to “a large colony of nerds” have led many to believe that TabCo is a large corporation. (Its Web site says it is a global company and TabCo is planning to launch in the US in August and Europe in September.) But there are also signs to the contrary. Take, for example, TabCo’s founder and CEO — the Google-elusive Ian “IQ” Quincy (TabCo has used pseudonyms such as “Beige Foul” — a clear reference to Apple engineer Gray Powell), who has played a major part in the campaign. Let’s dive a little deeper.

Continue reading Switched On: TabCo’s tease

Switched On: TabCo’s tease originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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