xp

Go ahead, throw this phone

Last year we reviewed the Sonim XP1, one of the most durable cell phones we've ever had the pleasure of throwing to the floor. As it never made it to a U.S. carrier, the XP1 wasn't widely available in the United States. But thanks to Best Buy's welcome interest in unlocked phones, an XP1 descendant will live in a big box store.

You wouldn't call the Sonim XP3 Quest attractive--the yellow version is particularly ugly--but brawn before beauty is the whole point. Sonim claims the phone can withstand drops to a concrete floor, excessive shock … Read more

Sony nixes Windows 7's XP virtualization mode for current Vaio laptops

A small but vocal group of tech enthusiasts is raising a fuss over Sony's plans to disable the hardware virtualization required to run Microsoft's Windows 7 XP virtualization technology.

Answering reader questions on the official Windows Partner Blog, Sony exec Xavier Lauwaert says security issues are to blame (the explanation comes in the comments section of the post):

Our engineers and QA people were very concerned that enabling VT would expose our systems to malicious code that could go very deep in the Operating System structure of the PC and completely disable the latter.

However, all is not … Read more

BOL 1035: Gadget of the year 2006

CNET's Donald Bell previewed the Zune HD and it brought him tears of joy. But the rest of us think it's about three years too late. We also debate the need for Google to get into the video codec game and whether you need a Pico projector in your camera.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 1035

Google acquires On2 video compression company http://gigaom.com/2009/08/05/google-on2-deal/ http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10303488-93.html

…and sells off radio automation http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10303498-92.html… Read more

Windows 7 XP Mode enters RC

Microsoft has announced that XP Mode, the Windows 7 add-on that will allow users with the proper hardware to run a virtual version of Windows XP within Windows 7, has entered Release Candidate status.

There are several new features in XP Mode RC. XP Mode programs will now offer users a jumplist of most recently opened files with that program. This brings one of Windows 7's more useful productivity features into play with older programs that wouldn't otherwise have it. So, not only will you be able to directly start your most recently used XP Mode programs from … Read more

Useful toolbar

ObjectBar is a customizable toolbar that allows users to add and remove various elements. We found it to be a nice addition to our Windows experience.

The toolbar itself can be customized with an assortment of themes and skins, and the ability to tweak the toolbar's contents means that the interface can be just about whatever a user wants it to be. However, the interface with which the user manages the toolbar could be better designed. It's easy enough to add and remove programs, but other functions, including changing themes and skins, aren't so intuitive. The program'… Read more

Report: Acer Android Netbook pushed back

Update (July 30, 2009, 8:50 a.m. PDT): A subsequent report says that Acer's plans for an Android Netbook are allegedly still on track.

Is Acer backing off the idea of an Android-based Netbook?

A new report out of Taiwan, where the PC maker is based, says the production of the previously announced dual-boot Netbook with Windows XP and Android is being delayed.

The report in Digitimes, says that while Acer had previously planned an earlier launch, "further evaluation has found demand for an Android Netbook is not strong enough, and it has therefore decided to postpone … Read more

Fast picture editor

Image Resizer Powertoy for Windows XP provides resized images with a few simple button clicks. Users should not expect fancy graphics or tutorials, but instead will find an intuitive feature that makes sizing much simpler.

The program's interface is very easy. All commands are performed via clicking a radio button to choose the size. There are a few other options, but all are presented the same way. The program provides no Help file, but is so easy to operate we are confident people will not need it. Users simply find a photo that they want to resize and right-click … Read more

Dell Mini 9: I'm baaack...

We always want what we can't have, and when Dell canned its Inspiron Mini 9, I beat myself up for not buying one earlier.

But lo and behold, Dell has brought back its itty-bitty Netbook for $199 until July 27. The price gives you bare necessities: the Ubuntu Linux OS, a 4G SSD, a Webcam, and other basic features.

There's also a $269 option that upgrades the Netbook to Windows XP and an 8GB SSD.

The Mini 9 had a few words to say regarding her retirement and limited-time return:

A few months ago Anne C. was kind … Read more

Microsoft offers EU 'browser ballot' compromise

In a reversal on Friday, Microsoft said it is now open to allowing users in Europe to select competing browsers in Windows 7.

Essentially, Microsoft is offering to put into Windows a way for consumers to easily install a rival to Internet Explorer. PC makers, as they can today, could still install a rival browser and could also disable Internet Explorer, if they choose.

"Under our new proposal, among other things, European consumers who buy a new Windows PC with Internet Explorer set as their default browser would be shown a 'ballot screen' from which they could, if they … Read more