Vodafone has cancelled its line of 360 phones, including the H2, but will continue with the 360 service. Such a shame 360 survives if I’m honest because 360 is a halfhearted solution at best and it would make sense to cancel the whole idea and concentrate on something else. via MIR.

The arrival of the $35 laptop (which doesn’t seem to be a laptop as such) has to be welcomed. The fact that the manufacturer hopes to drive the cost below $20 in the future is hard to understand, but who cares. I’ll take one please. It’s got 2GB of memory and Wi-Fi + USB ports and ‘might’ run Android.

Samsung is once again taking the fight to Apple and has started offering free Galaxy S smartphones to people who moan about their iPhone 4’s. It’s another in a long line of activity which suggests that Samsung is deadly serious about the smartphone market and I have to say that it looks well placed at the moment. I would put the Galaxy S as just behind the iPhone 4, but it does have advantages such as expandable memory and a removable battery. And yes, I added my iPhone 4 moan to Twitter last night- my replacement iPhone 4 still has the proximity sensor issue. AAAAARGH!!

Check out this video of the Cisco Cius. I probably shouldn’t like it, but I really, really do.

engadget has scooped some details on the new range of Eee Pads from ASUS. The full press release is below, but I wonder how well Windows can work on such devices?

Engineering excellence meets stunning design in the ASUS Eee Pad, an ultra-slim and light yet high-performance slate device designed to provide users with a real time cloud computing experience. The Eee Pad will be available in two configurations.

For users seeking additional mobility, ASUS is proud to present the 10” Eee Pad EP101TC that runs Windows Embedded Compact 7, which provides an engaging user experience and delivers instant connectivity to the Windows world. It also provides a familiar full-featured user experience across various connected devices and cloud computing services.

Taccy has just posted an imaginary iPad conversation on 247 which might cause some discussion. For an alternative view, check back on Monday for a ‘huge’ iPad review from Trevor.

“Hello sir, can I help you?”

“I’m looking for a netbook, You know, a cheap PC to chuck in my bag and use on the train”

“Is there any particular make that you want?”

“Not really, It’s only for portability  – I’m just looking for the best value”

“Have you thought about an iPad. I think that this is just what you are looking for. It has an excellent screen”

“Is it cheaper than a netbook?”

“No”

“Does it run excel?”

“No”

“Does it run any of MSoffice?”

“No, but it can play movies really well. Look at this game – you can drive around as if you were racing whilst drunk”

“OK. Can I buy another battery for it for emergencies?”

“No”

“Can I run multiple applications?”

“No”

“Can I access the Internet with it?”

“Absolutely!”

“With flash?

“No”

“Does it have a keyboard?”

“No”

“I came in for a cheap netbook. Why would I want an iPad?”

“Ah now sir – wait till you see this.I know it’s a bit more expensive than a standard netbook, and has some limitations, but if you spend a bit more -you can buy this clamcase and make it look just like a netbook!”

“Does it run excel?”

“No”—

Frank Shaw from Microsoft has dashed the MS Courier hopes of many with the following statement- “At any given time, across any of our business groups, there are new ideas being investigated, tested, and incubated. It’s in Microsoft’s DNA to continually develop and incubate new technologies to foster productivity and creativity. The “Courier” project is an example of this type of effort and its technologies will be evaluated for use in future Microsoft offerings, but we have no plans to build such a device at this time.” In the meantime, check out the video below and think about what could have been one more time… Thanks to Trevor.

The Microsoft Courier certainly looks quite impressive from the video below, but I do wonder if it needs to do more to take off. Thanks to Jah. More details are at engadget.

Many of you seem to love your Netbooks, judging by the comments in this article, but Lazyboy has a completely different view. Read on-

As you correctly identify in your article, Shaun, I don’t think the iPad is intended to compete directly with netbooks. Netbooks are basically cheap laptops, slightly more portable than their larger siblings, but laptops all the same. To use them you have to be sitting as a desk, or have them perched somewhat precariously on your knees. (Personally, if I’m in the market for a laptop – I’d rather get a decent one.)

The iPad is first and foremost a handheld device. It is intended to be used casually, in much in the same way as you would use a notepad, magazine or paperback book; something that you can easily pick up and put down anywhere in the house or office, and that will always be ready to use the instant you pick it up, without having to worry about a power brick or cable being close to hand. It’s small and light enough to hold in your hand, or to support lightly in your lap, or even to lie next to you on the armrest of your sofa.

My iPhone is currently computer of choice for many tasks, despite the limitations of its small screen. It’s way quicker and more convient to pull out of my pocket for quick reference, web surfing and checking email etc. than it is to break out my laptop. But it is still just a smartphone. Now, imagine that I have an iPad sitting beside me on the sofa; which device do you think I am going to use then? (Even more tellingly, which do you think I would pick up first if a laptop/netbook and iPad were sitting side by side?)

Put simply: the slim, light form factor, combined with the long battery life, big screen, blistering speed and dedicated multi-touch interface will make the iPad far more pleasurable to use than my iPhone. Don’t get me wrong: I love using my iPhone, but the experience will be so much better on that big screen.

Moreover, the bigger form factor opens up a whole world of possibilities for application developers. Mac developer Omnigroup has already announced that it will port its entire suite of productivity applications to the iPad (most of which would have been impractical on the iPhone), and I’m sure it is just the first of many. Developers have done wonders with some of the applications for the iPhone, but imagine what they are going to do with the big canvas available to them on the iPad.

I will use my iPad for reading ebooks, newspapers, magazines; to check and respond to emails, check and update my calendar, jot down quick notes, create and update spreadsheets; create, edit and proof-read documents; plan projects, surf the web and play games – all of which will be be far more pleasurable, immediate and immersive than on a bulkier laptop/netbook, which I would have to prop-open on my knees, or on a smartphone, which is too small for extended use and more intensive computing tasks. (Aside: I spend a lot of time flying, and have always found it awkward to use a laptop on those tiny tables attached to the back of the seat – the smaller footprint of the iPad and not having to have the screen open vertically will be a boon.)

I have little doubt that I will soon get used to tapping out notes and emails with the onscreen keyboard, and when I really need to crank out some words, I’ll just drop it into the keyboard dock or use a BlueTooth keyboard. Crucially, though, the keyboard will not get in the way when I’m reading, flipping through a book, watching a movie, playing a game, or passing the iPad between family members and friends to share photos, movies, magzine articles or to play games. The form factor, weight and drop-dead simple interface of the iPad will be critical in those situations.

For the purposes and situations I have described above, a netbook would be a poor subsitute 90% of the time, so I’d choose the iPad in a heartbeat. Laptops and netbooks have their place, for sure, but I think the iPad occupies a space that they can’t compete in.

The iPhone changed the smartphone market in the blink of an eye and the iPad looks set to do the same to the Netbook market. At this time you can go out and buy a Netbook for under £200 which will have a lacklustre screen, a cramped keyboard and specifications which make you wish you had paid £100 for a proper laptop. The Netbook market has never truly lifted off and the aim of the industry has been all about price rather than offering a user experience that makes the owner ‘want’ to pick it up and play. The iPad could change the Netbook industry in the blink of an eye.

Of course the iPad is not meant to be a Netbook at all and has no intentions to enter this market, but the addition of a keyboard and the potential for multi-tasking suggests to me that it could gain traction among those who want a portable computing solution which brings some fun to the experience at the same time. If Apple can make an iPad with superior components at a low price point there is no excuse for Netbook makers to not do the same.

If you want a Windows laptop you can pay £299 for a well specified unit which will do everything you ask of it. If you want an Apple laptop you will pay upwards of £700 for the same thing. A Netbook costs £200 yet the iPad will cost approximately £300 to give you the Apple experience many people want. The cost of an Apple laptop is high in comparison to Windows laptops, but you will get a much longer life out of it and superior hardware. It is hard to then reconcile the smaller cost differential between Netbooks and the iPad which courts exactly the same argument.

Apple will not put out a hardware keyboarded iPad because that will encroach on its other markets, but for many people an iPad with an optional keyboard represents much better value than a Windows or Linux powered Netbook. Me included.

The iTablet name lives again and should see the light of day if X2 Computing has its way- Feb 05, 2010 – Coming hot on the heels of Apple’s latest product launch is the powerful new iTablet range of portable computers offering a real alternative to users wishing to continue to use their existing Microsoft Windows-based applications. With first shipments starting in April 2010 from X2 Computing, one of the UK’s fastest growing developers of mobile computing solutions, the iTablet will revolutionise the way that Windows users can access and use data on the move.

The iTablet range has a user interface that will be familiar to mobile phone owners but with 10.2” widescreen TFT or 12.1” widescreen XGA screens that feature touch and optional multi touch wrapped in stunning slim-line bezels.  They have large, easy to use on-screen keyboards and powerful integrated graphics processors that deliver high quality visually stunning images at up 1024 x 768 resolution.  This makes the iTablet an excellent e-reader that displays text and news the way it is meant to be read.  The iTablet also provides high definition content playback to deliver a rich multimedia experience and the screen can be viewed in portrait or landscape format.

Intel micro processors up to 1.6GHz with 2GB of cache enable the use of Windows 7, Windows Tablet or open sourced Linux based operating systems.  They provide high levels of processing performance enabling multiple applications to run simultaneously – something that cannot be achieved with some other operating systems.  They also deliver a 20% reduction in power consumption over the previous generation of processors with an extended battery life, enough for the most dedicated user.

The iTablet range offers a superior memory storage capacity of up to 250GB giving users significantly more room to keep important pictures, films, music and applications with audio playback can be through the built-in stereo speakers or headset.  With up to three in-built USB 2.0 ports, users have the flexibility to connect peripheral devices including additional external hard drives.  The range includes versions with a built-in 1.3 mega-pixel USB camera and optional HDMI output is also available to enable high quality playback of HD video through larger TV screens.

ITablets are fully equipped with Bluetooth, optional 3G and GSM as well as built-in 802.11b/g networking enabling users to easily connect to wireless networks to download and edit their files or access the internet.  Significantly, Flash animations can be played to maximise the web browsing experience and enable access to websites using a choice of browser software.

According to Robin Daunter, Technical Director of X2 Computing and formerly Head of R&D at Evesham Technology:  “Prepare for the next revolution in mobile computing.  The iTablet is extremely powerful with a vast array of features and data storage capacity and, what is more, it uses the well received Microsoft Windows 7 operating system making it a more compelling proposition for users wishing to share data with their existing Windows-based systems and networks.   iTablets can be used in a wider range of business and home environments and will deliver a lower cost of ownership over the operational life of the equipment.”

“iTablet will empower users with unlimited technology and advanced multimedia access across multiple platforms without being restricted to exclusive content providers,” added Jonathan Wharrad, R&D Director of X2 Computing.  “This new breed of Windows-based computer takes design, functionality and solution fit to new and higher levels.”

The iTablet range is compact and lightweight sized from just 252mm(h) x 192mm(w) x 35mm(d) and weighing from 1.18kg.  A range of accessories are available including batteries, mains adaptors, stands and display options for use in sunlight conditions.  It is available in a range of solid and metallic colours including white, grey, pink, blue, red, yellow and black.

The Psixpda is now available to buy on eBay for £499. It is a curious device which some like and others think is overpriced, but in my mind it certainly has a place and might do quite well.

Designed to be both powerful and stylish. It offers essential PC-ing where portability and availability is required.

Psi)(pda’s high performance is incredible in relation to its size. Give this UMPC a once-over and you will fall in love with your PDA all over again. This sleek and luxurious design is infused with a touch of class that lives only in the imagination.

It has a natural and inspiring form factor and feel, where class is combined with power and flexibility.

Psi)(pda is built to the highest specification and is one of the world’s smallest and lightest Pocket PC‘s available.

SlashGear has also produced a video demo of the device. I quite like the hardware, but the software experience doesn’t quite inspire.

So, over the past two days I have written about my thoughts on the iSlate as an eBook and video device, but is it likely to be so much more? Could it have a place in the centre of your home on your coffee table? O2 developed the media thingy which was so successful I can’t remember the name of it and that was supposed to be for the family, but again Apple could step in and make something that displays the weather, news and family planner all of the time. It could synchronise with your smartphone (sorry- iPhone only no doubt) and this would be yet another killer string to its bow.

Throw in many thousands of games which have been scaled up to the bigger screen from the iPhone / iPod Touch resolution and the options are limitless. Key to this will be a robust build which allows the kids to play with it when they want to and a new family centric device will be born.

There is one final possibility which may not happen- a keyboard attachment which could turn it into a NetBook style device? Is this a possibility or something that would overlap other Apple lines which is something it rarely does? I suspect that will never happen, but the other features discussed over the past few days will be more than enough to keep the coffers piling up quite nicely.

Yesterday I wrote about the upcoming Apple iSlate and its potential to dominate the eBook market, but for entertainment it could do even better. A 7″ screen playing video could be the near perfect compromise between portability and a viewing experience which makes everything before it feel like a let down. The market for portable video players has already been decimated by the iPhone and iPod Touch, but the iSlate could take things much further and quickly become the perfect accessory for flights, holidays and any other occasion where the need may take you.

Apple will stamp the entire setup with a huge iTunes library, a beautiful hardware build and playback quality the others can only wish to emulate. Because it is a tablet video playback will feel like a major feature and strangely everything could be major; whatever you want to use it for is what the tablet will be to you and only Apple can make it work. I am trying not to sound like a fanboy because I hate the way Apple just wins over and over again, but credit where it is due.

The iTablet could become a wireless portable TV for millions and deliver video like never before. Just one more area where the iSlate will dominate. Tomorrow- gaming and the rest…

Apple’s rumoured iSlate (will use that name purely for convenience) which is set to appear in January is expected to be built around a 7″ touch sensitive screen which will come with a revolutionary way of allowing the user to interact with it. We can expect the legendary Apple design to create an object which millions of people will want to own from the moment it is announced. The iPhone created lust around the world when it was first demoed, but the iSlate could be a game changer the like of which even Apple has not managed to create before.

eBook readers are big business at the moment and new manufacturers are popping up every week with new tricks to entice bookworms to the digital age. The iSlate sounds to me like the kind of device which would fit well in this market, but with Apple behind it the marketing machine could well bring eBooks to the wider market which even Amazon has failed to truly conquer with the Kindle. The iSlate will have the extra advantage of doing so much more yet could still dominate the eBook market by utilising its multi-use abilities.

If Apple manages to offer an experience which makes eBooks feel like paper, or even close, that will be all that is needed for a device like the iSlate to conquer the market and make ‘eBook’ a standard word in the vocabulary of the masses. With the power of iTunes behind the device and the potential to sell millions of titles the sky is the limit for the iSlate and eBook publishers once the format has been accepted by the buying public.

What else will the iSlate conquer? More tomorrow…

The XO-3 has been revealed by the group behind the $100 laptop. All we have is a design at the moment, but it looks very neat. From the BBC- “The group behind the $100 laptop has revealed the design for its latest computer aimed at connecting children in the developing world.

The XO-3, as it is known, is a slim-line touchscreen tablet PC.

One Laptop per Child (OLPC) said it would be “available in 2012″ and would cost “well below $100″.

The new design replaces the proposed XO-2, a foldable e-book that was first shown off in 2008 but has since been scrapped by the organisation.

The XO-3 will eventually replace the original XO laptop that first went into production in 2007.

The innovative machines, which have been designed for use in remote and harsh environments, were designed for use by school children and featured a sunlight readable display and open source software.”