Merimobiles has begun selling a seven-inch tablet for $200 that dual boots Android 2.1 and Windows CE 6.0. The Witstech A81-E is based on an unnamed ARM Cortex-A8-based processor clocked to 600MHz, and is equipped with 256MB RAM, 2GB flash, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an optional GPS receiver, says the online retailer.

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Win Enterprises is readying a 1U rackmount networking appliance that supports a variety of Intel processors up to a Core 2 Quad. The PL-80230 supports up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, and offers CompactFlash and SATA storage, six to 14 gigabit Ethernet ports, USB and serial ports, and PCIe, mini-PCI, and PCI expansion, says the company.

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Cisco announced an Intel Atom-based, tabletop Home Energy Controller (HEC) device based on OpenPeak's Home Energy Manager (HEM) design. Running Ubuntu Linux on a 1.1GHz Intel Atom, the HEC offers a seven-inch screen, networks via cellular, 802.11n, ZigBee, and ERT wireless, and works with back-end services enabling consumers to monitor and control energy use.

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Amazon.com announced an updated version of its large-screen. Linux-based Kindle DX e-reader, with the price dropped from $489 to $379. The Kindle DX maintains its 9.7-inch screen, but moves to a new E Ink technology claimed to offer 50 percent better contrast, says the company.

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Microsoft announced a hardware solution that will allow users of portable devices — digital cameras, flashlights, remote controls, toys, you name it — to insert their batteries in any direction. Compatible with AA and AAA cells, among others, the patented “InstaLoad” technology does not require special electronics or circuitry, the company claims.

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Android 3.0 “Gingerbread” will be a high-end format supporting 1280 × 760 resolution and requiring a 1GHz processor, essentially splitting the operating system into two platforms, says UnwiredView. Meanwhile, HTC and Sprint are readying an Android smartphone with a 2GHz processor and 1080p video recording, says OzcarGuide, while TmoNews says HTC is prepping an Android phone for T-Mobile with dual 800MHz processors.

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The MeeGo project has released preview source code for the MeeGo Handset environment, including the first touchscreen support. Meanwhile, Intel has released a video demonstrating a pre-alpha version of MeeGo's tablet environment, showing off five-finger multitouch support.

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