Chromebooks are sweeping in the gadget world just lately. During the IDF 2012, it is the Samsung Chromebook which gets the spotlight for some bits of demos. First in line is its fast boot up speeds, the noticeable showcase of the particular prototype.

The Coreboot is behind the quick and fast start ups BIOS replacement for Linux systems. What is yet to discover is the proof that indeed Google is getting support with Ivy Bridge for the coming Chromebooks in the near future.

For the meantime, the Samsung Chromebook is safely running in a Sandy Bridge processor.

The problem is, chromebooks may be a good prototype but to most consumers, these are the not-so-type ones no matter how Google and other various hardware manufacturers are fusing to such devices. A constant internet connection is needed for the Chrome operating systems to work as these are wholly based in the cloud. Given that it only has a few number of sites supporting offline apps.

The Sandy Bridge is the obvious nice move made if compared to the previous sluggish performance. In addition, HD 3000 GPU is found to be enhancing web video decoding which means more games to play.

via softpedia

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For users of the Archos Gen8 tablet who swear by Linux, there is now a way to install the Linux Distro on the device.

This was a challenge for an Xda Developers forum member called CalcProgrammer1 since the OS is not really meant for tablets, but made for real computers. In addition to this, Ubuntu generally does not work on Archos’ 2.6.29-omap1 kernel. However, with some cues from developers, CalcProgrammer1 has made it possible to install it on a tablet like the Archos Gen8.

An advantage for this is that Linux has a small footprint and doesn’t require high specifications, thereby allowing added functionalities to the tablet than the original software with which the tablet comes.

CalcProgrammer1, however, hasn’t yet been able to finish the build completely. However, experienced in installing Linux to other tablets, such as the HP Touchpad, CalcProgrammer1 has already released a first version of the build. Interested users, however, are warned with wl1271 wireless module issues and several bugs. Essentially,the most basic functions work on the Gen8 tablet, including the display and the touchscreen, which had been calibrated correctly.

The build can be downloaded on the Xda Developers forum, along with some useful links and videos.

via XDA developers

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After facing trademark issues, the Spark Linux tablet from KDE will now be known as the Vivaldi.  The tablet now takes its name from the famous Italian Baroque music composer from the 18th century called Antonio Vivaldi. Following this development, there are now plans to name future devices after popular musicians.

The Vivaldi tablet was designed to have an open-source software that is based on the KDE Plasma Active UI. Linux was chosen instead of Google Android, which is the more popular choice for similar tablets.

Its specifications have caused some to believe that the device is a repackaged Zenithink Android tablet but this time running on KDE Plasma Active. This tablet is powered by a 1 GHz AMLogic ARM central processing unit alongside a Mali 400 GPU, 512 MB of RAM, and 4 GB of storage capacity.

Its capacitive display measures 7 inches. It is also equipped with integrated WiFi, two mini USB ports, and HDMI output.

It is expected to be available in May, although the trademark issues might stall the selling for some time. The tablet had been available for pre-order since February, but these had been stopped in favor of sign-ups that express interest in the new device.

The Vivaldi tablet will sell for $270.

via liliputing

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Previously, developers found a way around the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet’s bootloader and were able to load custom ROMS onto it. This, however, deletes the original B & N software.

Currently, a new tool called CyanoBoot has been made available by a developer named fattier that allows users to use another ROM without deleting the B&N software. This bootloader works on models with 1 GB or 512 MB of RAM.

Upon starting, CyanoBoot gives users a dual-boot option, allowing them to select the software with which the NOOK Tablet will run, whether it is the B&N software or another ROM such as Cyanogenmod or Ubuntu Linux. It is based on an open-source software called u-boot and is intended for use on Cyanogenmod 9, although it can also be used on Cyanogenmod 7 and Ubuntu.

On its menu, users may select from among three modes: normal, recovery, and altboot, as well as other options such as configuration and fastboot.

CyanoBoot is installed from an SD card or an emmc. Both of these cards require a special formatting to be able to run the bootloader, and could be quite tricky.

Still in its early stages, CyanoBoot is recommended only for experienced developers who are willing to risk loss of data and other kinds of damage to the tablet.

via liliputing

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The Spark Tablet is an open (both in hardware and software) tablet. It is going to ship with Linux-base software and an unlocked bootloader allowing its users to do what they win using the product.

This tablet is now available on pre-order. It is expected to have a  €200, or about $263 US price tag. This tablet is not available until May. However, you don’t have to pay for anything right now if you get a pre-order. The developers are just getting your plans of purchase to register demand.

Looking at its specs, the Spark is ultimately a Zenithink C71. The latter however runs on Android while the Spark is running on Mer Linux, a MeeGo flavor with KDE Plasma Active as its desktop environment.

You can get your pre-order the Spark Tablet at the Make Play Live website.

Source: Liliputing

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Just last week, Intel released a new iteration of Meego. It now offers support for the Cedar Trail platform. There is no official release of Tizen and the next version of the mutated Linux platform. The numbered version of MeeGo is alread v.1.2.0.6 and now available for download for Intel x86 netbooks.

Last week Intel quietly released a new version of MeeGo that now offers support for their latest Atom platform, Cedar Trail.  We have yet to see an official release of Tizen, the next iteration of this mutated Linux platform.  So if you’re keeping track, MeeGo v1.2.0.6 is ready for download for Intel x86 devices.

The release is not all good news. The graphics driver is just the kernel portion and a closed-source userspace. This basically means that the upgrade lacks mainstream ambitions. It is very curious also which among the PC manufacturers would release a MeeGo based Cedar Trail netbook.

Taking a closer look at the release we have the un happy news to report that graphics driver is just the kernel portion and a closed-source user-space, which basically translates to, this upgrade lacks any mainline ambitions. And rightfully so, we are curious to see if anyone will be releasing a MeeGo based Cedar Trail Netbook.

The OS can be downloaded from MeeGo.com.

Source: Netbooknews

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Google Chrome 19 has been put in the dev channel for some time and is now available for testing. However, users of the Chromebook have just gotten an update to Google Chrome 18 called Chrome 18.0.1025.29 in their dev channel.

The Chrome 18 update comes with an enhanced Pepper version of the Flash Player as well as improvements regarding video playback. As expected from a dev build, however, this comes with several bugs. For one, users need to reboot to be able to sign in as a different user when they are using a proxy server. Otherwise, they will not be able to sign out.

On the other hand, the Chrome 19 update features an improvement to the JavaScript engine through V8 3.9.4.0, which allows for a special spelling. For Windows users, several fixes to known issues are also available made available, such as the removal of visual artifacts when the user interface bubbles disappear, as well as enhancement of 3D acceleration on devices with NVIDIA Optimus GPUs.

It is not known how much longer Chromebook users have to wait for the Chrome 19 update. To date, the Chrome 19 update is only available for users of Windows, MAC OS, and Linux. However, Chromebook users certainly have something in store for them once the new version rolls out.

via softpedia

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Acer has just released and started selling its newest netbook, the Aspire One D270 in Europe. This mini laptop packs a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 LED-backlit display, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600 processor and Intel GMA 3600 graphics card. It also sports a 2 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, a 0.3MP webcam, a 5-in-1 card reader, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 6-cell battery and runs on Linux OS.

The Aspire One D270 netbook may be small, but it still has a 93% full-size keyboard for efficient typing. Along with this is a multi-gesture touchpad that makes navigation easier for users. You can choose from the various colors of Aquamarine, Espresso Black, Burgundy Red to Seashell White.

So with the Aspire One D70, you’ll get loads of your stuff done, and look good doing it. This 10-inch netbook provides both wired and wireless web surfing, email and social networking status updates anytime. There’s also a built-in webcam and microphone for quality face-time with your family and friends.

What’s more is that the optional 3G connectivity expands networking possibilities, and Bluetooth 4.01 transfers files faster than ever. That’s what anyone would call effortless connectivity! Plus, it weighs less than a 6-pack of soda and it’s even smaller than a National Geographic magazine.

The Aspire One D270 netbook will fit perfectly and nicely in a backpack or handbag. As well as it will last for up to 8 hours with just one full charge, so you’re free to hit the road anywhere. It’s priced 259 Euros at amazon.de.

via laptops.techfresh

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Android is now being used by different devices including business tablets and smartphones. Sometimes, though, one just need to have a full-fledged OS to get something done. Windows 8 is certainly looking to be a good thing for mobile users with its functionality. SDG Systems announced a rugged tablet with a full desktop operating system: Ubuntu.

The tablet is called Trimble Yuma. It is a slight redesign to the previous Windows 7 business tablet. It has slightly updated specs. The hardware it boasts matches up nicely with netbooks. It is a 7-incher powered with a 1.6GHz Atom processor. It has WiFi, Bluetooth and 32GB or 8GB SSD. It has additional consumer/business oriented features like GPS, dual cameras and SDHC and ExpressCard slots.

As far as ruggedized is concerned, the Yuma looks superior compared to other rugged hardware out there. This tablet has magnesium alloy case to protect it from water and dust. It meets the United States Military Standard for durability and has an Ingress Protection rating of 67.

Last year, it has been reported that Canonical plans to bring the Ubuntu OS to mobile gadgets. It does not appear that SDG Systems is affiliated with Canonical but from the looks of it, it might be actually. Unfortunately, their device has been designed strictly for the business side of things. This baby is priced at $3695.

The Trimble Yuma is indeed a pretty cool device for being almost indestructible with a full-fledged  OS. The KDE Spark tablet is a consumer alternative.

Source: Pocketables

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Canonical is axing off the Kubuntu variation of Ubuntu Linux from its financial aiding. Kubuntu is virtually Ubuntu with a custom version of the KDE desktop environment replacing the Unity user interface.

The move to Unity has been received with controversy. It’s a pretty dramatic change from the traditional interfaces. In the early versions of Ubuntu, the operating system used GNOME as its default desktop manager. Kubuntu was offered as an alternative for the users who prefer the look, feel and apps that come with KDE.

Kubuntu isn’t necessarily going away after Canonical virtually got rid of it. It will be now community supported, like Xubuntu, Lubuntu and Edubuntu, the three other popular variations of Ubuntu.

In other words, it’s just the funding from Canonical that the Kubuntu will lose not its entire life.

You could always build your own version of Kubuntu by installing Ubuntu and then using the package manager to install KDE.

KDE has come a long way in the past years and its developer, Jonathan Riddel, whose work on Kubuntu will no longer be funded by Canonical, mentioned that Kubuntu is no popular enough to justify continued investment.

Kubuntu 12.04 is due to be out in April and will be the last Kubuntu fully funded by Canonical.

Source: Liliputing

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