Samsung’s redesigned 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab is thinner and lighter than an iPad 2. But can it compete against the Apple juggernaut?

The numbers are all there for the specmeisters, with this reworked Galaxy Tab rocking a slightly larger touchscreen over the iPad 2, higher resolution, a 1GHz dual core processor and lighter 595g weight compared to the 601g of the iPad 2 Wi-Fi. But the most important number of all is its price. Unlike Samsung’s overpriced predecessor, the 16GB Wi-Fi Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will cost exactly the same as the iPad 2 Wi-Fi 16GB: $499. Bam!

The first Galaxy Tab didn’t fare too well. In fact, the day of the iPad 2′s rollout, even Samsung’s Executive VP of its mobile division Lee Don-Joo admitted its shortcomings: “We will have to improve the parts that are inadequate… Apple made [the iPad 2] very thin… The 10-inch (tablet) was to be priced higher than the 7-inch (tablet) but we will have to think that over,” he said.

We didn’t care much for the first Samsung Galaxy Tab, either. When we got our hands on it earlier this year in Barcelona, it was flimsy, felt cheap, and we thought its much-ballyhooed Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) interface was confusing and buggy. And, the device got uncomfortably hot in one corner.

While this thinner, redesigned model reportedly felt much better in all respects, it’s still missing one key number, and that is the hoard of software Apple offers for the iPad 2, more than 60,000 apps specifically created for the platform. But that impressive number also includes the fart apps, too. Even so, Apple has a huge head start.

Meanwhile, Samsung introduced another contender it calls the Galaxy Tab 8.9, a little more than an inch smaller than its big brother. It includes the same 1GHz dual-core processor, and looks just about the same as the 10.1-inch model, as you’ll see in the gallery below.

Both of Samsung’s new tabs beat the iPad 2 easily in the camera spec department, with a 3-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel up front, both shooting 1080p video. In what could be the clincher for many users, the Samsung tablets boast another capability lacking in the iPad 2: Adobe Flash playback.

Want to try one? You’ll have to wait until June 8 for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi, priced at $499 for the 16GB version and $599 for 32 gigs. Samsung was not as specific with the release date for the Galaxy Tab 8.9 Wi-Fi, which it said would be available in “early summer” at $469 for 16GB and $569 for 32 gigs.

So is the Galaxy Tab 10.1 an iPad 2 killer? I don’t think so, but it’s a lot closer to being competitive than Samsung’s first attempt. Tell us in the comments if you agree.

Here’s a gallery featuring both new Samsung Galaxy Tabs:

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, 2-shot

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 — Front

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 — 3/4 angle

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 — Back

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 — Side View

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 — Front

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 — Back

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 — Side View

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 — Two-shot

More About: 8.9, iPad 2 Killer, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, tablet pcs

For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:

• Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
• Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad

View full post on Mashable!

Whether you want built-in headphones, pockets perfect for your iPod or even clothing capable of making calls, we’ve found fashionable options for you.

Take a look through our gallery of 10 such items of connected clothing and let us know which ones you’d consider wearing in the comments below.

1. iTee

Said to be “perfect for men and women with a digital lifestyle,” the “iTee” from Aussie co iClothing boasts a pouch for your ‘Pad. Would you wear it?

Cost: Approx $60

2. Rusty Wired Series Swept Away

Rusty’s “Wired Series” boasts built-in machine washable earphones. The “Swept Away” hoodie is pretty in pink.

Cost: $56

3. SCOTTeVEST T-Shirt

A classic tee with a high-tech twist, this boasts a zippered chest pocket for an iPod, iPhone, or similar portable gadget, a “Personal Area Network” for built-in wire management, and two further side seam pockets.

Cost: $25

4. Rusty Wired Series Noise

More from Rusty. This is a cross between a shirt and a hoodie, and includes those cool built-in earphones.

Cost: $62

5. iDress

Another iClothing offering, the iDress is a sateen LBD with a difference. That difference is, as you’ve likely guessed, a pouch for your iPad! iClothing claims it will take you “from the office to the cocktail lounge,” but we’re not sure you’d get that far if the Fashion Police are on patrol.

Cost: Approx $90

6. Koyono Work Premier Made for iPod Coat

Not only does Koyono’s coat have “the perfect number of pockets to manage your gadgets,” but thanks to its “Elektex” smart fabric interface, it boasts integrated five-button iPod controls. The future is now, man.

Cost: $174.95

7. Rusty Wired Series High Voltage Dress

Although in most parts of the world it might be a little chilly to sport this dress, come summer we think this garment, again with built-in, waterproof earphones, will fly off the shelves.

Cost: $44

8. Mohan’s Custom iPad Suit

New York-based custom gentlemen’s tailors Mohan’s offer an iPad pocket option for a more satorial take on gadget-friendly clothing.

Cost: Varies

9. SCOTTeVEST Travel Boxers 2.0

You need not be without your precious phone even when you’re down to just your undies with SCOTTeVEST’s high tech boxers. The front pocket is designed to fit a smartphone while the back pocket will conceal a passport, credit cards and the like.

Cost: $20

10. Cute Circuit M-Dress

The M-Dress is not just a garment, it’s a “functional soft electronics mobile phone.” It accepts a standard SIM card and can make and receive calls. To answer a call the wearer simply lifts a hand to the ear, and to end a call, puts that hand back down. It’s due to be available this year, so it might not be long before you hear the once-unlikely line, “excuse me, my dress is ringing.”

Cost: TBC

More Fashion Resources from Mashable

- 10 Great Geek Tees For Kids
- 6 Slick Ways to Customize Your Kicks Online [PICS]
- 9 Ways to Geek Out Your T-Shirt Collection
- 3 Ways to Design Your Own Clothes Online
- 6 Great Gloves for Touchscreen Gadget Lovers

More About: accessories, clothing, fashion, gadgets, galleries, gallery, List, Lists, tech

For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:

• Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
• Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad

View full post on Mashable!

Microsoft is not planning on releasing any further Zune devices. Instead, the company plans to focus on Zune software for smartphones.

Microsoft declined to comment on the future of the Zune players, but in a statement to Bloomberg noted that it remains “committed to supporting our devices in North America.”

Zune launched in November 2006 to much fanfare and hopes that it could beat Apple’s iPod. But sales never came close to reaching the levels of Apple’s best-selling and market changing music and media player.

In 2009, Microsoft decided to separate the Zune team into software and hardware divisions, and attempted to get developers to target the platform. It hasn’t really worked. Zune Marketplace support for the Xbox 360 aside, the Zune brand still has limited appeal outside of North America.

According to Bloomberg, Microsoft will continue to put its Zune features into Windows Phone 7 and in the Zune desktop software for Windows. Microsoft’s Zune Pass remains an economical way to stream and have access to a large array of music, but the fact that it only runs on Windows devices ruins its potential as a true iTunes competitor.

The Zune was never a bad MP3 player. The failure was that the product never managed to differentiate itself as being better or cheaper than the iPod. If anything, the Windows-only requirement made the device more limited.

For that reason, we don’t imagine many users will shed any tears over Zune’s passing.

Share your favorite Zune jokes in the comments.

More About: ipod, media player, microsoft, Windows, zune

For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:

• Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
• Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad

View full post on Mashable!

HP CEO Leo Apotheker has a clear message for his competitors in the mobile and tablet space: we’re in this market to win.

Earlier today, HP’s new chief executive revealed the company’s new strategy to a group of analysts and members of the press. His keynote can be summed up in five words: cloud, cloud and more cloud. HP intends to provide cloud-based tools, software and connected devices that will power enterprise and dominate the consumer market.

Central to HP’s consumer play is its 2010 acquisition of Palm, which gave the PC giant access to Palm’s webOS mobile operating system and the Pre line of smartphones.

HP dominates the PC business, selling two PCs and two printers every second — by far the most in the industry, according to Apotheker. Now it intends to dominate the smartphone and tablet businesses too.

“We just announced our new devices, the TouchPad and the [Pre] smartphones,” Apotheker says. “Going forward, we don’t intend to play in the junior league in this business.”

HP has an uphill battle to becoming a player in the mobile market. Apple leads the pack with the iPhone and the iPad, but Google, Microsoft and RIM are all making big moves in this space. Confirming previous rumors, HP said the TouchPad will come out this June.

Will you wait for a TouchPad? Does HP stand a chance of grabbing some mobile market share? Let us know what you think, in the comments.

More About: HP, hp touchpad, palm, Palm Pre, PCs, pre, printers, Touchpad, webOS

For more Mobile coverage:

• Follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Mobile channel
• Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad

View full post on Mashable!

5 years from now, if you revisited this post, you may find your right hand on a bottle of coke and this post is merely reminding you of a peripheral device you used to use – a mouse. Today’s post celebrate a showcase of unusual, creative and funny mice ever created while it is still at the safe line before extinction! Full list after jump.

USB Penguin Mouse
Penguin mouse is one of the animal theme mouse for computer. If you like these cute animals, you can buy this cute mouse for your kids.

Gold Brain Computer Mouse
This blinged brainy mouse is apt for the geeky folks who don’t mind playing with some jazzy stuff too. Maybe brain mouse will activate ideas in your brain.

Another Keypad Mouse
Sanwa NT-MA2 is the name of this computer mouse / keypad combo. It’s available in white or black. The price has been set to 40 Euros.

Aircraft Computer Mouse with LED Lights
The aircraft mouse is avaliable for all folks how loves futuristic thought or for Star Wars fans. Mouse is available in black or white and features two buttons, a scroll wheel and LED lights in red and blue.

Diamante USB Mouse
This computer mouse features two buttons and a scroll wheel, and it is studded with dazzling white, fake diamonds. Perfect gift for girls.

Zero Mouse
The revolutionary design of the Zero Mouse combines state of the art design and lightweight materials.

Mus2 computer mouse
Mus2 cordless optical two-button mouse not only controls the cursor on the screen, but looks like one, too. Despite this unusual shape, Mus2 fits well into the hand and doesn’t cause any discomfort.

MLB Baseball Cap Mouse
Baseball fans will love using this MLB ball cap computer mouse. With over 15 Major League Baseball logo designs to choose from, this optical 2-button mouse is a fun and unique way to display your team loyalty while you work.

Body Mouse
Body Mouse was designed by the famous designer Chris Lomak. It does not look like a professional mouse, but funny enough for gift.

Wireless Mouse – Camaro Black
Road Mice appeals to computer users who love cars. Car enthusiasts love these replica automobiles that work as fully-functional computer mice. Road Mice have smooth lines, realistic details, glossy finish and working LED headlights.

The man’s body mouse
Modern optical mouse that looks like real human body. I think men will not use a mouse like that, but some women could use them.

Optical Ferrari Car Mouse
Car 3D optical mouse looks like real Ferrari sports car that will appeal to all racing fans. LED lights in car running lights looks fancy.

Cyborg R.A.T. Gaming Mice
Perhaps the mouse is not comfortable because of the futuristic shapes and form looks, but it will fit in each gamer room.

Optical Mouse Skype Hands-free PC Speakerphone
With professional compatible earphone to protect your privacy,the Skype Mouses that has all the cool features is perfect for personal use, gifts.

Eclipse touchmouse
Featuring elegant and sophisticated brushed-aluminum finish, the eclipse touchmouse sports an advanced feature set and streamlined ergonomics. Designed for home, office or on the go, the touchmouse delivers both style and quality.

Saitek Obsidian 1000 dpi Wireless Rechargeable Optical Mouse
The ultimate rechargeable wireless mouse has an optical sensor for high speed, ultra accurate tracking and groundbreaking design with outstanding ergonomics and highly tactile materials.

Wireless Ergonomic Computer Mouse
Optical mouse has laser pointer and ergonomic design that even slightly not looks like a normal mouse. Works from up to 15 feet away from your computer.

Steelseries World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse
Designed by Blizzard and SteelSeries specifically for World of Warcraft, The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse provides remarkable benefits to all World of Warcraft gamers, regardless of level or play style.

Portable Finger Hand Held 4D Usb Mini Trackball Mouse
Looking for something a bit different in a mouse? This new mouse from Brando might be up your alley. The two dimensions and buttons are simply controlled by fingers.

Crystal computer mouse
Lady beetle crystal mouse has very gorgeous style that is the best choice for fashion ladies and men.

Tortoise-shaped optical usb mouse
Tortoise shaped optical mouse could be first PC mouse for your kids. The design is simple, but it is very similar to real turtle, which children will enjoy.

Dolphin computer mouse
Similar to turtle mouse, it is very cute and ideal gift for a kids or you an use in your office to make fun.

Golf 3D USB Optical Computer Mouse
If you favorite game is golf, this mouse is for you, but only at home do not confuse Pc mouse with a real ball and dont take it to the game.

Wowpen Joy Vertical computer Mouse
Ergonomically designed for both right and left hand use with Bluetooth enabled computer. This compact and ambidextrous Bluetooth desktop mouse is only designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled computer systems, thus eliminating the need for a separate receiver dongle.

Creative golf mouse
Here is one more golf mouse, but this time with this PC mouse comes all playground with holes that will decorate your office.

Handshoe Mouse
Also called The Horse, HandshoeMouse uses the 800 dpi optical standard and practically solves the problem of muscle fatigue encountered among business and creative professionals. Hippus compared a traditional computer mouse electromyogram with the HandshoeMouse measurements.

A Steampunk Mouse
A steampunk mouse is crafted out of wood and brass and bone. Daniel Pon how create this awesome mouse, has carved the Paradox Mouse in LEDs with extra peripherals like a mouse skull, spine and shoulder blades.

Jelly Click Mouse
Very unusual PC mouse designed by Bongkun Shin, Heungkyo Seo, Jiwoong Hwang and Wooteik Lim. They created concept Jelly Click mouse. All the electronic circuits were on a small flexible board and the body itself is made of soft plastic.

Sliced Mouse
What was the idea of creating this mouse, I do not know, but it looks unusual, although not useful. The only plus is when mouse is damaged to get access to the chips.

Memory Mouse
Memory Mouse has such a compact form, controlled by only four fingers. This design will lessen the contact surface to provide hygienic condition and also make your bag lighter than ever.

Optical Super Slim Mouse
Optical Super Slim Mouse is a wireless, optical mouse with an incredibly slim profile. At only 10mm at the highest point, it almost feels like you’re using nothing at all – just a bunch of people pawing at their desks.

Bendy M 3 Dimensional Mouse
Kim Hye-shin perceives a single strip that can be bent into the infinite-sign-shape, with only the necessary features on it. Bendy M may be a good enough design if your focus is more on the keyboard and use a mouse just as a pointer.

G-Spot Mouse
This mouse is designed by Andy Kurovets and it is called the “G-Spot”. This mouse has a secret spot. When you find it, to your favorite place on the computer it’s connected to you will go.

Wooden Mice
Wooden mice designed by Alest Rukov is maded from types of wood cultivated specifically for industrial use, safe for the environment to manufacture and to use. All wooden components made from a single piece of solid wood.

Jupiter, Escher and Deco mouse
This is trilogy of celestial orbs – three different products – the Jupiter mouse, Escher mouse, and the Deco mouse. Thes mouses are not cheap. Each of them costs about 150%.

An Alien Mouse
UK designer Mizanur Rehman came with a vibrant concept mouse that is described as “Alien Mouse”. Staying true to the name, the Alien Mouse is designed to mould to the user’s hand and thereby prevent RSI and reduce stress.

Wireless Building Block Mouse
Wireless building block mouse is inspired by the same building blocks we couldn’t get enough of as kids. Complete with a right and left click button and a scroll wheel, this mouse will make those boring tasks at work seem fun.

The Computer-Mouse Star
Computer-Mouse Star wouldn’t be in the least bit awkward to use or even the slightest bit uncomfortable. Well for those committed to their love for stars, this mouse would be a cute accessory to your computer.

Mario Brothers Mice
Dot Design 2 Super Mario Brothers computer mice from Banpresto features popular bitmap characters from the popular game series. The mice come in two designs, one featuring Mario, and the other featuring a familiar Star shape.

eVouse Mouse Concept
This awesome and futuristic mouse has a v-shaped unique design with metallic look with a futuristic green light that illuminates on every movement, it has got action buttons just like the ordinary mouse and has got a scroll.

Grenade Mouse
The mouse is actually made out of an old grenade casing, so it gives a slightly more authentic feel. This socking mouse must be the ultimate gamers mouse especially for those playing war of attrition online games.

Bling’d Out Mouse for Girls
This bling’d out mouse designed for the ladies is “embellished” with silver and crystal accents and will go a long way toward patching up any rocky relationship.

Gold Bullion Wireless Mouse
The gold bullion wireless mouse just may be the perfect gift, especially if you are worried about government deficits. Gold Bullion has standard left and right click mouse buttons, a scroll wheel and it will work with your PC or Mac.

Ghost Mouse
This Scream inspired ghost face mouse features 3 mouse buttons, a scroll wheel, and a resolution of 800 dpi. that will provide you with high precision control. If you want it, you can get it for only about 35$.

Smitrix Swiftpoint Triped Mouse
The Smitrix Swiftpoint Triped mouse was specially designed for tablet PCs and multi-touch tabletop surfaces and it’s eliminating the pen. Why Triped mouse? Becouse it is a mouse, a touchpad and also a digitizer pen.

Perific Wireless Dual Mouse
Perific Mouse is a revolutionary new type of ergonomic computer mouse. It is a wireless pointing device which can be used in a variety of ways, both on and off the desk in the air.

Hybrid Monster Naga Mouse
The Razer Naga Mouse, is GamesCom’s first MMO mouse, and features cool capabilities if slaying online bad monsters is your thing.The mouse has been optimised with an extra 12 buttons which are customisable to keyboard settings on the computer.

Creative Fatal1ty 1010 Mouse
The Fatal1ty 1010 Mouse was designed with every last detail scrutinized by the world’s top FPS gamer, Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel. The Creative Fatal1ty 2020 mouse has a 6.4 megapixel sensor in its base to pick up the smallest twitch.

Orbita Mouse
The ergonomic Orbita Mouse is a USB wireless rotating round mouse designed to enhance navigation in a wide range of Mac and PC applications.

Makeup Mouse
Here is the latest mouse, designed for the well groomed secretary. The cunningly hidden features include a mirror and make-up brush. Mark II now also stores Chanel No. 5 perfume and a Lipstick.

Want More?

More creative and unusual computer peripherals, devices and gadgets, or check out our entire collection.

• Unusual Flash Drives
• Unusual USB products
• Computer casings Part I, Part II
• Computer keyboards you’ve never seen before

(bellefoong)

View full post on hongkiat.com

Apple has sold over 3.3 million iPads so far, but Microsoft is still waiting for those Windows-based tablets to start capturing the hearts and minds of users. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, however, is confident the company has a bright future in this space.

Speaking to analysts on Thursday, Ballmer said Microsoft is hard at work to make Windows 7 a great OS for tablets. “We have got to make things happen. We’re in the process of doing that as we speak. We’re working with our hardware partners. We’re tuning Windows 7,” he said.

Ballmer also recognized the success of Apple’s iPad, saying the company has “sold certainly more than I’d like them to have sold.” However, at a later Q&A session he took a jab at one of iPad’s drawbacks. “When you get your Windows 7 machine, it will print. Some people actually like to print every now and then,” he said.

Ballmer is right: printing on iPad is a problem. But Microsoft might encounter far more problems adapting Windows 7 for tablets. Apple’s iOS was designed for a touch screen device from grounds up, while Windows 7 was primarily created with a regular keyboard-and-mouse-equipped PC in mind. And while Windows 7 was a clear win compared to the disaster that was Vista, Microsoft’s track record of late – remember Kin? – tells us that a great Windows 7 tablet, while not an impossibility, might not be right around the corner just yet.

[via CNET]

More About: microsoft, Steve Ballmer, tablets, Windows

For more Tech coverage:

• Follow Mashable Tech on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Tech channel
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

View full post on Mashable!

There’s good news and bad news for future HTC EVO 4G owners: Skype should come to the smartphone before the end of the year, as will mobile video app Qik — but you’re going to have to shell out $5 per month for the latter if you want to take advantage of its video chat functionality.

It might be a hard pill to swallow for some, considering Sprint is already going to charge a $10 “premium data” fee per month simply to make use of the phone’s data services in addition to whatever monthly voice and data package is chosen. Qik runs the risk of running afoul of the “feeling nickel and dimed” response from consumers who are already shelling out extra fees to capitalize on the “about 10 times faster” data speeds on Sprint’s 4G network.

Meanwhile, although Skype had released a Skype Mobile Android client previously, its exclusive deal with Verizon Wireless means that Android users on other carriers can’t access the app. A PR representative from the company indicated that before the end of this year Skype will ship a direct-to-consumer app that will be available regardless of the carrier — although it can’t yet promise that the app will include mobile video calling as one of its features.

In other words, it may take some time for mobile video calling alternatives to catch up if you’re not willing to pony up the extra $5 a month for that feature via Qik. Early tests with competitive app Fring have been so far mixed, with some garnering less than stellar reviews and others faring fairly well (see the video below for a demo). Still, the available options at launch could be a bit of a downer to aspiring HTC EVO owners eager to take advantage of its dual cameras for mobile video calls.

What do you think: Is Qik asking too much for mobile video call service? Will we see reliable free alternatives crop up in short order?

For more mobile coverage, follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook

Tags: 4G, android, htc evo, HTC EVO 4G, mobile video calling, qik, Skype, sprint, verizon

View full post on Mashable!