Web Talk

So, this is really the hot news of the week here at Web Talk. In fact, according to a lot of rumors (but no confirmations or press release at all) it looks like Dell is planning to release by this August a cheap ultraportable called Dell E. This “E” makes me really think that Dell has declared a harsh war to the well-known Asus Eee. The famous computer company will release two models of its new ultraportable: a Dell E 8.9-inch model and a 12.1-inch “E Slim” which actually looks like the MacBook Air (and therefore will be more expensive). The 8.9 model will have a lot of flavours. In fact there will be a cheap model for users who don’t want to spend a lot, and other different gradations  which, apart from costing more, will have more features… of course. The price of the Dell E 8.9 inch should be around $299 for the entry level and for this price you will get: Linux, Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1,024 x 600 display, 3x USB, SSD (solid state driver), integrated webcam, WiFi, and more. Stay tuned for more infos.

Dell has just unveiled its new laptops called Studio 15 and Studio 17. As you may guess their screens are 15 inches for the Studio 15 and 17 inches for the Studio 17. They will be available in many colors including black, grey, blue, green, pink, orange, purple and red. Other features include: Intel Core 2 Duo, up to 4GB of RAM, 320GB of HDD, 8-in-1 multicard reader, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, an optional Blu-ray drive, standard 6 cell battery and optional 9-cell battery. Their price is set at at $799.

Source: Engadget.com

When I spoke of Dell’s decision to continue to install Windows Xp in its computers and laptops despite Microsoft’s decision to stop selling it in June, I could not imagine what a Microsoft senior VP would have stated  a few weeks later. As a matter of fact Bill Veghte said that Microsoft will continue to provide security patches “and other critical updates” for Windows XP until April, 2014. This decision comes from “the result of our recognition (Microsoft) that people keep their Windows-based PCs for many years”… “It’s true that we will stop selling Windows XP as a retail packaged product and stop licensing it directly to major PC manufacturers [after June 30],” wrote Veghte. “But customers who still need Windows XP will be able to get it”. This stunning statement comes from Microsoft’s acknowledgement that Vista has failed to conquer people’s hearts and that a large part of  Microsoft’s customers will continue to use XP and won’t upgrade to Vista for  years to come, at least till Windows 7 will become available three years from now. That’s why I suggest you that if you are planning to buy a new computer, make sure to get a full downgrade to Windows XP. For Example Dell preinstalls XP Professional as a “downgrade” on certain PCs and laptops. These computers available with the XP option will also include the Windows Vista installation DVD in the box, so users will be able to install Windows Vista if they want, and without buying another license. Windows Vista is a “green” operating system with not many issues to tell you the truth, but with a lot of problems as far as drivers and  software compatibility is concerned.

A few days ago Microsoft stated that it will stop selling Windows XP by the 30 of June 2008, definitely. Period. Do you remember the article I wrote about a Windows XP petition? Well, Microsoft is fully aware of it and, as a matter of fact, its spokeswoman stated that…”some customers are pushing for an extension to the deadline. More than 160,000 people have signed a “Save XP” petition launched by Infoworld magazine. Microsoft itself has made its own research and it thinks that the time is right to discontinue XP”. Anyway there are a lot of exceptions to this deadline. Continue reading »

The new Dell E-series is going to be announced soon. For those who can not wait I will just say that something has leaked and now we know some of its features:

• Two versions will be available namely: 4.25 pound - 14.1-inch; 5 pound - 15.4-inch
• Both of them will sport WXGA and WXGA+ LED backlit displays
• For people who really want something portable there will also be a 12-inch and a 13.3-inch version

Stay tuned for more infos.

If this rumor is confirmed, it will mean that hundreds of employees will be without a job in a shot time ( I hope not!). As a matter of fact it looks like Dell is about to close its kiosks all over the States. It makes sense to me since the competition is becoming really tough. With Wall-Mart, Best Buy and Radio Shack looking at big profits and eating other companies alive, well, I think the guys at Dell are right to use their axe on some company extensions. They can not afford to become sombody else launch!

This Dell Inspiron 1525 struck me for its interesting features which can be bought at a very reasonable price. This model is available in the States so far but it will be available in other countries soon. Look here what can be found in a customised Inspiron 1525 for $1.119:

SYSTEM COLOR Alpine White
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows ® Vista Home Premium Edition
HD DISPLAY High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1440×900)
VIDEO CARD Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
MEMORY 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
HARD DRIVE Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE CD / DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
WIRELESS NETWORK CARDS Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
BLUETOOTH AND WIRELESS USB Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
INTEGRATED WEBCAM Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
BATTERY OPTIONS 56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
SOUND OPTIONS High Definition Audio 2.0

I customised the Laptop here. You can find more info here.

If you are thinking about getting a nice Nokia N810 let me advice you a web site where you can buy it at the lowerest price you can find on the web now. Dell Web site is selling it at just $419.99. Nokia Web site instead is selling it at $479.99. If you know another place selling this nice gadget at less than Dell please let us now!