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Linux Mint 12 (“Lisa”) RC1 was released, based on Ubuntu 11.10 and Linux 3.0. RC1 offers the GNOME 3.2 desktop, but augments it with “MGSE” extensions that let users create a more GNOME 2.3x-like environment, and also supplies a desktop called MATE that's claimed to be a GNOME 3.x-compatible version of GNOME 2.x.
Winmate announced a rugged handheld computer that includes a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and runs Android 2.3.4 on a 1GHz Cortex-A8-based Texas Instruments DM3730. The E430T offers IP65-level sealing, up to 512MB of RAM, five- and two-megapixel cameras, plus wireless technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 3.5G cellular.
Arbor announced a bedside PC for hospital patients that includes an 18.5-inch touchscreen, a five megapixel webcam, and a VoIP handset. The M1857 has a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, a 160GB hard disk drive, plus smart card, RFID, and barcode scanning capabilities, according to the company.
Via Technologies announced a Mini-ITX motherboard with a dual-core, 1.4GHz Via Nano X2 processor and Via VX900 chipset. Aimed at DIY home media modders, the Via VE-900 Mini-ITX Mainboard supports up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, and offers dual SATA connectors, a PCI slot, and coastline I/O including gigabit Ethernet, serial, VGA, USB, and HDMI ports.
O'Reilly Media has published a book on embedded system development. Elicia White's 328-page “Making Embedded Systems” ranges from embedded controllers and sensors to more advanced systems, provides the basics of good development practices, and a encourages a disciplined approach to programming in an environment where “inefficiency isn't tolerated,” says the publisher.
Aaeon announced a rugged, fanless industrial controller with an Intel QM57 chipset and 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 or 2.66GHz Core i7 processor. The AEC-6635 supports up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, offers DVI-D, VGA and DisplayPort video ports, and provides CompactFlash, SATA, gigabit Ethernet, USB2.0, serial, plus PCI Mini Card connections.
Intel is working on a new line of processors specifically designed for tablets, according to an industry report. The chipmaker will drive the power consumption of its smartphone and tablet processors down to less than 10 Watts, and will accelerate its processor upgrade cadence from two years to one.
Motorola's $300 Droid Razr is pricey, and its non-removable battery doesn't last long. But in every other way, this thin, cutting-edge design breathes new life into its manufacturer's legacy, according to this eWEEK review.
Win Enterprises announced a fanless, 9.4 x 6.0 x 1.6-inch networking security appliance based on Freescale QorIQ P1015E or dual-core P1024E processors clocked from 400 to667MHz. The PL-80380 offers up to 1GB of DDR3 RAM, up to 4GB flash, a CompactFlash socket, dual gigabit Ethernet ports and four gigabit switch ports, plus optional SATA storage and Wi-Fi.
Barnes & Noble has subpoenaed Nokia in its defense against Microsoft's Android-related patent infringement claims, following its petition to the U.S. Department of Justice to look into Microsoft's patent behavior for possible antitrust violations. In other patent-related news, Microsoft and Huawei are negotiating on a patent agreement, say reports.
Norco and its Habey USA subsidiary announced a 9.25 x 8.66-inch motherboard whose Intel Q67 chipset supports Intel “Sandy Bridge” Core i3/i5/i7 processors. The POS-7933 includes up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, ten serial ports, six USB 2.0 ports, four SATA interfaces, a gigabit Ethernet port, plus both PCI and mini-PCI Express expansion, says the company.
Asus announced the first quad-core Android tablet, featuring the newly shipping Nvidia Tegra 3 clocked to 1.3GHz. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is slimmer (0.33 inches) and lighter (1.29 pounds) than the original Transformer, and offers a 10.1-inch display,an eight-megapixel camera, and up to 12 hours of claimed battery life — or 18 hours when plugged into the optional keyboard dock.
Adobe has announced plans to restructure and lay off 750 employees. The company added that the current Android and PlayBook versions of its mobile Flash Player will get security updates and bug fixes, that's it: There will be no new versions moving forward.
The Red Hat-sponsored Fedora Project released Fedora 16 (“Verne”), featuring the GNOME 3.2 desktop environment and virtualization and cloud enhancements — including support for the Aeolus and OpenStack Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platforms. Version 16 upgrades the techie-focused Linux distribution to Linux 3.1, and moves up to the GRUB2 bootloader and Firefox 7.0.1, while offering enhanced contact and document management apps.
Stealth Computer announced a fanless mini PC with a dual-core Atom D525 processor, a 55GB solid state disk (SSD), plus both Mini PCI Express and ExpressCard/34 slots. The LPC-125LPFM works in temperatures ranging from 14 to 113 deg. F and via DC power ranging from 10V to 26V, according to the company.